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| STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS |
ON THE COVER
CELEBRATING THE GOOD LIFE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
This 115-foot Sunseeker is one of the grandest boats in Southwest Florida. It is like a luxury home on the water. Step aboard some of the finest yachts in our area on page 26.
VOLUME 16, NUMBER 7 | PART OF THE USA TODAY NETWORK Editor | General Manager Art Director Associate Editor Production Director Contributing writers
Kathryn Robinson Kinsey, kkinsey@gannett.com Lindi Daywalt-Feazel, ldaywalt@gannett.com Pamela Hayford, phayford@gannett.com Dennis Wright, drwright@gannett.com Gina Birch, Jennifer Thomas, Anne Reed, Lance Shearer, Andrea Stetson Contributing photographers Jon Austria, Alex Driehaus, Amanda Inscore, Andrea Melendez, Ricardo Rolon, Andrew West VP Regional Sales William R. Barker President Sales, The News-Press Nancy M. Solliday President Sales, Naples Daily News Shawna Devlin
Director Circulation Distribution Jim Keeble Distribution Manager Brian Franz, branz@gannett.com Distribution Coordinator Madeline Cordero
PHOTO BY ANDREW WEST
Grandeur is published 8 times a year by The News-Press, a Gannett company. Complimentary copies are home delivered to News-Press subscribers in select neighborhoods throughout Lee and Collier counties. Copies are also inserted into Sunday editions of The News-Press in Collier County – in newsstands only. Subscriptions to the magazine are $24.95, and single copies are available at the News-Press offices and at various locations throughout Lee and Collier counties. To read the free e-edition visit grandeurmagazine.com. To advertise: 239-335-0457 To subscribe: 239-335-0211 To reach the editor: editor@grandeurmagazine.com
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| INSIDE |
APRIL 2020
CONTENTS 14 GRAND FACES
22
56
Capt. Noelle Casagrande helps give local boat captains a voice in Tallahasee and beyond. Meanwhile, brothers Bill and Nick Morris keep the amazing fish tanks of Southwest Florida humming along.
22 DINING
At the 1500 South, fine dining comes with an extra perk: the opportunity to take a traditional gondola ride with a serenading gondolier.
26 COVER STORY
Step aboard some of the grandest yachts in Southwest Florida. Some have a hot tub. One was borrowed by the Kardashians. All are decked out with the latest technology, roomy accommodations and full amenities.
40 RIDE
Ed Miller takes a deep dive into the early years of luxury automobiles
14
56 PETS
Casey the dancing umbrella cockatoo is bound to find stardom from his perch at the Everglades Wonder Gardens
14
59 OPEN DOOR
Albert Socol and Marlene Weiss downsized to a smaller home, but renovations called to them, expanding a modest 2,679-squarefoot home to a 5,674-square-foot manse.
ALSO INSIDE
40
59
10 Editor’s Letter 12 The Colors Pages 18 Model Behavior 38 Wine & Spirit 46 Style
48 64 68 70
Getaway Make it a Double Grand Times Next Month
GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 7
| ONLINE |
You can explore the Grand life anywhere you go with our mobile-friendly website. From galas and fine dining to the amazing homes of Southwest Florida.
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EXPERIENCE NAPLES LIKE NEVER BEFORE E
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Let visual journalist Jamie Stoddard take you on one of the most unique dining/ entertaining combos in Southwest Florida. Share a gondola ride with Gina Birch and Executive Chef William Conroy of Visit grandeurmagazine.com to watch the video.
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1500 South.
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| EDITOR'S LETTER |
A Kathryn poses in a Marc Jacobs silk dress provided by Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples.
s I begin to write this month’s letter, from my home office, the world is a very different place than just a month ago. The coronavirus pandemic has filled all our lives with caution and fear. It has forced most of us to self-isolate in our homes. The wait list for a table at any of our local eateries has been replaced with a steady stream of take-out orders, and the term “social distancing” is keeping us from our normal lives and for some away from the ones they love. Adapting to this challenging time can be difficult for a lot of us. But I know in the very near future we will be spending time once again socializing with our families and friends, enjoying our area beaches and gathering for special occasions in person and not electronically. In this month’s Grandeur we hope to help you escape the anxiety and stress of this temporary normal we’re all experiencing by sharing the people, places and businesses that make our area so special. With that in mind, our cover story steps aboard some of the finest yachts in Southwest Florida. Each of these vessels has unique features, from roomy living quarters to hot tubs with amazing views. Don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to charter one for your next vacation, page 27. Sticking with the water theme, in our Grand Faces feature we highlight Bill and Nick Morris, brothers who grew a childhood passion into an adult occupation with Gulf Coast Aquariums, page 14. We also spotlight Captain Noelle Casagrande who helps give local boat captains a voice in lobbying for water quality, page 16. Looking for a dining experience with a twist? Check out 1500 South, the signature restaurant at Naples Bay Resort & Marina, which is aligned with La Gondola Naples to offer diners the opportunity to book a scenic side dish that complements your meal, page 22. Visit grandeurmagazine. com to share a gondola ride with our Grandeur team and Executive Chef William Conroy. As we continue to stay close to home keeping connected to our community is more important than ever. Make sure to check back with us often at grandeurmagazine.com or follow us on Instagram @GrandeurMagazine, where we will continue to highlight the grand things about Southwest Florida. Stay safe. Stay healthy. And remember we are in this together.
MAKEUP BY: Ina Zeineddine PHOTO BY: Brian Tietz LOCATION: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
KATHRYN ROBINSON KINSEY EDITOR & GENERAL MANAGER
10 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
Digestive problems can affect just about every aspect of your life. And, if you’re experiencing painful or inconvenient symptoms, we can help. We diagnose and treat GERD, acid reflux, Crohn’s disease, colitis, celiac disease, hemorrhoids and more. Treatment may involve medication, dietary adjustments, minimally invasive surgery or other options. For an appointment, visit PRMGDigestiveHealth.com or call 239-235-3287.
DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS? WE HAVE A WHOLE TEAM READY TO HELP.
PRMGDigestiveHealth.com 239-235-3287
Pictured left to right: Anthony Vernava, M.D. – Colorectal Surgery, Maria Valdes, M.D. – Gastroenterology, Rudy Bershadski, PA – Colorectal Surgery, Brenda Duarte, ARNP – Gastroenterology, Michael Cohen, M.D. – Gastroenterology, Jonas Mansson, M.D. – General Surgeon, Alexandra Grace, D.O. – Gastroenterology, Susan Cera, M.D. – Colorectal Surgery, Elyse Fetcko, PA – Gastroenterology, Brian Smith, M.D. – General Surgeon Members of the Medical and Allied Health Staff of Physician Regional Healthcare System. • Results may vary. Consult your physician about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure.
GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 11
| THE COLOR PAGES |
A warm sunset
• With the Chouchin, designer Ionna Vautrin didn’t just make a pretty lamp. This work of art in blown glass is designed to cast an intense, warm beam of light on the surface below. From $820. Details at foscarini. com. Available at select online retailers such as 2modern.com, hivemodern.com and lumens. com. For a local provider of Foscarini, try Richlin Interiors in Estero.
The sunny side • This exclusive shade of yellow from Tory Burch’s latest sunny palette punches up your wardrobe for spring. The satchel is inspired by the late style icon Lee Radziwill, the younger sister of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and an American inspiration in her own right. $498 at Nordstrom, nordstrom.com.
BEACH Splash of blue
• The perfect combination of coral and blue puts us in a beachy state of mind with the Christian Louboutin Follies Lace suede pumps. Made in Italy, the netted lace provides a nice contrast to the soft suede. 4-inch heel. $845 at Saks Fifth Avenue, saksfifthavenue.com.
BLEND Our world has changed dramatically in the last
month. We dream of getting back to normal, to stretch our legs along the sandy shore, to bask in the sunshine of good company. It’s time to take our guilty pleasures back to basics. Let these beautiful luxuries take you to the beach with their coral hues and beautiful blues and beachy shades in between. Soon we’ll be dipping in the sea once again. — PAMELA HAYFORD
Treasure found
• Casual, luxurious, timeless. The Ginny smocked polka dot jumpsuit makes spring style easy breezy. Created by designer Jessica Reid as part of her Steele label, the jumpsuit aims to be a casual luxury worth treasuring. $199 at Anthropologie, anthropologie.com.
12 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
| THE COLOR PAGES |
Wild horses on the beach • With 460 ponies under the hood, rev up excitement at the beach with the 2020 Ford
Mustang GT Premium Fastback. In Twister Orange, it’ll certainly turn some heads. And you’ll love the leather trim, climate-controlled seats, selectable drive modes and nine-speaker stereo system. Starts at $39,630, or $46,265 for the high-performance package. Build your own at ford.com.
Wrap it up
• Wrap up your ensemble with the Twisted Buckle belt by Topshop. The faux-leather strap features textured croc embossing. And it goes with just about everything. $35 at Nordstrom, nordstrom.com.
Summer sky Sensational sand
• Belgian flax linen is known for its breathability and softness, a fabric that keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter. Perfect for our Southwest Florida climate. Bonus: This Belgian flax linen duvet cover and shams come in sand yellow. $44-$279 at West Elm, westelm.com.
• Many a visitor is stunned by our blue sky. Keep it with you wherever you go with the Kingman turquoise ring by Irene Neuwirth Jewelry. The stunning blue stone is set in 18-karat yellow gold. Certainly a beach bauble worth keeping. $1,190 at Marissa Collections, marissacollections.com.
The allure of the sea
• Mermaids are a perfect fit for Southwest Florida homes. They bring a beachy vibe, and this one at R.S. Walsh In The Garden adds a beautiful hue of turquoise, like the waters off Captiva. $88 at R.S. Walsh In The Garden on Sanibel, rswalsh.com.
GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 13
| FACES |
STORY BY ANDREA STETSON | PHOTOS BY RICARDO ROLON
FIGHTING FOR
CLEAN WATER
Capt. Noelle Casagrande helps give local boat captains a voice in lobbying for water quality. 14 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
| FACES |
apt. Noelle Casagrande isn’t just someone who loves boating. She isn’t just someone who is worried about the quality of the water on which she boats. She is someone who is dedicated to doing something about it. Noelle has spent the last year striving to improve water quality in Southwest Florida and around the state as the development director of the nonprofit organization Captains for Clean Water. “I never realized that our ecosystem would be on the verge of collapse,” Noelle says. “This opportunity was presented to be part of such change on a state level and a federal level. We have made progress, but we have a long way to go.”
Captains for Clean Water is a grassroots group that advocates for better water quality and healthier estuaries. Its main focus is Everglades restoration, but the group also pushes for herbicide reform and water quality legislation. Noelle is excited to be part of the effort. After working for Chico’s for more than nine years, she was trying to figure out what to do next with her life. “I had heard about Captains for Clean Water back in 2016 and signed up for the emails,” she describes. “I was always drawn to nonprofits.” She had lunch with the group’s executive director and he offered her a job revamping the marketing, membership and merchandising. That new job combined two areas of her expertise — her work in public relations (she graduated with a degree in public relations and business from the University of Florida) and her love of boating. “I grew up boating with my family,” Noelle says. Born in New Jersey, Noelle moved to Fort Myers at age 4 and grew up fishing, water skiing, tubing and exploring nature on the Caloosahatchee River. “It was growing up on the water,” she says. “It is in my DNA.” She got her captain’s license in 2016. “I can operate a vessel up to 150 tons, but I will not be driving the Key West Express anytime soon,” she quips. Instead she is happy fighting for cleaner water. “The Everglades is not getting the fresh water that it needs,” she stresses. “What Captains has been hugely successful at is bringing people together, giving people a voice over special interests. You can go to Tallahassee and bring up the water woes, but they want to hear about what it is doing to businesses. That is what they care about. Our whole mission is based on awareness and education and ultimately advocacy.” Noelle knows there are many environmental groups fighting for the health of the land and water, but she says Captains for Clean Water is different. “There are a lot of groups, but they work on a specific area. We need to look at it as a whole system,” she explains. “The solutions are there. Every-
thing we are advocating for is science-backed and solution-focused.” Noelle works with the business community both in Florida and beyond trying to gather support. “Yeti is based in Texas, and they are a big supporter,” she says. “It is making sure we are tapping into everybody that has a vested interest in these valued resources.” Yet the part of the job she likes best is working with children. She recently spoke to fifth-graders at Heights Elementary School in south Fort Myers. “It is the most meaningful part of my job,” she says. “I was so impressed at how engaged they were about pollution and water quality. They did a fundraiser for Captains. They made baked goods and little bracelets and raised about $300.” Noelle says she works so much that she doesn’t get to boat as much as she would like, but she does still enjoy the occasional trip on the Caloosahatchee, and to Boca Grande and Captiva. “My biggest thing if I am not working, is being outdoors, hiking, camping, scuba diving, celebrating the beauty around us,” she says. “We are very fortunate to live in this state that has so much to offer.” She also had a bucket list adventure in August. “I went diving with great white sharks by Guadalupe Island,” she exclaims. “It was the most awe-inspiring event in my life.” Noelle says she was not scared of being so close to these giant animals. “They are just beautiful creatures and very passive,” she says. “They give the cage a couple of little bumps to see what is going on. They have beautiful blue eyes. I never knew they had such beautiful blue eyes. That was quite an adventure.” Next on her bucket list is seeing whale sharks. “In the Socorro Islands, you can swim with them,” she says. Her adventure with the great white sharks and scuba diving have cemented her quest to strive for cleaner water. “When you are scuba diving, it just feels like another world and gives you another appreciation for the areas we are trying to protect,” she explains. “Water is our most valuable resource throughout the planet.” When she’s not thinking about water quality, she’s thinking about volunteering. Noelle is on the board of directors of PACE Center for Girls and on the development committee of LARC. “The betterment of the community has always been important to me,” she says. Sitting at a table at the downtown Fort Myers headquarters for Captains for Clean Water, Noelle sprinkles in a bit of her other activities from volunteering to fixing up the 1925 house she recently purchased. But she always circles back to water quality and her passion for her job. “I am able to do something on a day-to-day basis that taps into my core passions of being out on the water. This isn’t work or a job. This is a fight. We are on 24/7. This is a fight and it’s a fight worth fighting for.” GRANDEUR | ARPIL 2020 | 15
| FACES |
STORY BY ANNE REED | PHOTOS BY ANDREA MELENDEZ
THEY BRING THE
OCEAN INDOORS Bill and Nick Morris grew a childhood passion into an adult occupation with Gulf Coast Aquariums.
Bill and Nick Morris are brothers and owners of Gulf Coast Aquariums. They installed this aquarium at PDS Architecture, Inc. in Fort Myers.
lashes of orange dart in, out and around the blue water, capturing the attention of passersby. They’re ocellaris clownfish and they should be living in the green carpet anemone, but instead they rest and make their home in the green finger leather coral. In nature, the anemone would provide protection as part of its symbiotic relationship with the fish. But we aren’t in the ocean, watching this scene as we snorkel in gentle rolling waters. Instead, we are mesmerized by an aquarium, set in the office of PDS Architecture in Fort Myers and created and maintained by Bill and Nick Morris, owners of Gulf Coast Aquariums. The two brothers grew what started as a childhood hobby into a full-time business fueled by passion and more than a dash of patience. 16 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
TESTING THE WATERS Massachusetts doesn’t seem like the place to start a story when it comes to anything tropical saltwater-related. But for Bill and Nick, that’s exactly where everything started. As young children, their mother fostered their love for animals. “We had freshwater fish tanks, lizards,” Nick says. “If I had to guess, I would say around 12 years old was when it started,” Bill says. “Our mother would always encourage our passion in that way. We always enjoyed having pets.” Their first aquariums were freshwater because, at the time, saltwater was very difficult to maintain.
| FACES |
“We didn’t have a lot of the technology we have now, or the high-tech equipment that is needed to maintain them in a closed environment,” Bill explains. About 15 years ago, Bill moved to Florida, and Nick followed two years later. “I continued my passion for aquariums, but I was still stuck in freshwater,” Bill says. “I had been a little cautious of getting into saltwater because I knew how difficult it was. If you could afford to have someone maintain it for you, that was always the way to go. But when we were younger, that wasn’t an option for us. So we were forced to learn everything ourselves.” As the brothers settled into Southwest Florida and maintained their own freshwater aquariums at home, they met a local store owner who encouraged them to try a saltwater aquarium. “Finally I decided to give it a shot,” Bill says. The brothers worked on their first saltwater aquarium at Bill’s home, learning about the chemistry and the animals. “It was a lot of trial and error,” Nick says. They started to have more success and “the passion really kicked in,” Bill says. In 2008, a trip to Key West led to the discovery of an aquarium that quickly became their favorite. “We enjoyed seeing how other people did things,” Bill says. “We would go to Key West often and come up with a mental list of what businesses there had aquariums. I would take an entire day and go to all of the different restaurants and shops.” At one of their favorite spots, they saw the aquarium had been boarded up. They asked about it and ended up in a lengthy conversation with the restaurant’s owner, which led to being asked if they could take care of two 500-gallon saltwater aquariums at one of the owner’s Marco Island places. They were much bigger than the 30-gallon tank the brothers maintained at home. “We took the leap of faith that we could do it,” Bill says. And in 2008 their business, Gulf Coast Aquariums, was born.
DIVING IN In the saltwater aquarium business, no two jobs are alike and, no matter the size, none are easy. Nick cares for everything from a 3,000-gallon tank that features an artificial reef to a 190-gallon tank that features a variety of healthy coral that have been growing slowly and successfully for five years. “Coral is more challenging,” Nick explains. To have a healthy tank of corals, Bill notes that you have to minimize the impact of the fish while maintaining water quality. The coral also need more intense lighting, since most of their sustenance is photosynthetic.
“The larger commercial aquariums are so tall that it is difficult to have the light penetrate deep enough for the coral,” he notes, which is why their very large aquariums feature artificial coral. For Nick, Gulf Coast Aquariums is a full-time job, but it didn’t start that way. At first, it was one day a week that the brothers took to maintain aquariums. But once they were hired on for one of their biggest jobs — 11 aquariums at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples beach resort — they knew that they had made the transition from hobby to a business and that one of the brothers needed to work for the company full-time. The RitzCarlton’s aquariums have been cared for by Nick for two days every week for the last 10 years, and it’s more than just maintenance — it’s become a way for him to pass on what he has learned about the organisms in the aquariums to young Southwest Florida visitors. “Kids there on vacation are actually learning about the environment,” Nick explains. “We’ve got a 3-foot leopard moray eel that has a skunk cleaner shrimp that lives with him that will actually get in the eel’s mouth and clean his teeth. It shows the kids the symbiotic relationship these animals can have.” As he works on the aquariums, it’s only natural that the young visitors ask him questions. “It reinforces what I do,” Nick says. “And it makes you feel good to see kids’ reactions to your hard work,” adds Bill.
MAKING WAVES There are a lot of steps from the start of an aquarium idea to the finish and regular maintenance. First, Nick meets with the client to find out their vision, see
the space, determine the scale and get a feel for the aquarium’s soon-to-be home. Then they walk the client through selecting the animals and try to strike a delicate balance between aggressive species and community species. “We try to find out what the client is passionate about, what they want to see,” Nick says. During the design phase, they work with a builder who fabricates the aquarium and surrounding structure. The “life support,” as Bill calls it, comes next — assembling the components, including the filtration equipment. Then work starts on establishing the correct water chemistry before fish are slowly introduced. “We try to take it to another level,” Bill says. “When we are brought into someone’s home and create an aquarium, it has a tendency to become more. Most of our clients we’ve been working with for five years or more. I think that says something for the service we provide.” “In so many businesses you show up, do your job and leave,” Nick says. “It’s different when you are brought into someone’s home. Those relationships tend to become friendships.” Like one of their clients who has an 800-gallon tank and often, when Nick stops by to work on it, is found sitting in front of the aquarium, having dinner and watching the show. Water has a calming effect on people, including Nick and Bill. Nick no longer has an aquarium in his home, partly because it would be a lot like taking work home with him, and partly because he puts so much love and care into their clients’ aquariums. Bill used to have a saltwater aquarium and, after work, would sit down to stare at it. “It was a break,” he says. “It was a way to transition from my chaotic day to my home life. Some people come home and have wine. For me, watching the aquarium was a reset.” He plans to put in a new aquarium but is having trouble deciding what he wants to include. When he first started, he always wanted an anemone with a mated pair of clownfish. Now, he is into rarer species of fish. “A lot of this stuff used to be caught in the wild,” he says. “But these days the fish, even the rare ones, are being bred … recently, over the last 3 to 5 years, there have been leaps and bounds in the aquaculture industry. Not just for fish but for corals as well.” The brothers hope to see more tank-bred fish in the future and follow conservation efforts and keep that in mind when sourcing for their aquariums. Nick would like to see Bill join him full time, and, in the industry as a whole, Bill would like to see “an aquarium in every home or business,” he says. “But that passion has to be there.” Passion for creating the perfect environment, maintaining it and the patience to watch organisms, like the coral that fill the tank, slowly grow and thrive. GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 17
| MODEL BEHAVIOR |
The Makai model has views of the Caloosahatchee but is on a canal. That gives it the scenery of the large river, while being on a quieter waterway. From the house and the lanai, the infinity edge pool appears to flow directly into the canal.
18 APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
| MODEL BEHAVIOR |
TOWARD STORY BY ANDREA STETSON
THE SEA Hawaii meets California in the Makai model by Windward Construction
iant elephant ear plants, mature palm trees and other greenery form a canopy just before the entry of a new model in Cape Coral by Windward Construction. “We didn’t want that manicured look,” says Brian Haag, owner of Windward. “We wanted that more tropical look.” Brian likes his new model so much that he and his wife are moving in. He plans to keep the home as a model until another one is built nearby. “I lived in California and Hawaii,” Brian says. “We love that area. It has that Polynesian flavor, and this was our way to love it. We wanted it to feel like you are walking into a hotel in Maui.” Double glass sliding doors soar 12 feet high in the great room, which is configured quite differently from the typical large space. Instead of the usual family room separated from the kitchen by an island, this great room flows without obstructions and curves to offer even more waterfront views. Two dark wood fans in the shape of giant palm leaves hang sideways from a ceiling framed with matching dark stained cypress wood. “Isn’t that unique? It’s so different,” says Kristin Lyons, owner of KDL Interior Design, about the fans. “We really wanted to bring out the Polynesian feeling and keep it on the modern side at the same time.” “I like a little bit of dark wood,” Brian adds. “It is a little bit Hawaiian.” Grass cloth fills the ceiling space between the beams. Below, white couches and blue chairs are placed around a glass coffee table that sits perched on a stand of twisted driftwood.
GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 19
| MODEL BEHAVIOR |
The great room also features a small bar. A curved island opens to the gourmet kitchen, which features state-of-the-art appliances. Dark wood cabinets and a dark wood perimeter around the ceiling keep the color scheme consistent. It also contrasts with the white countertops and white frames around the windows. The white chairs around a dark wood dining table continue that contrast. The sliders open the entire wall in this great room to the lanai and the water. Outside, the infinity edge pool looks like it’s flowing into the canal. The outdoor living also features a spa, large fire pit, lounger chairs, a large sitting area with a couch and chairs and an outdoor kitchen with a tall rounded bar with more seating. The home is perched in a desirable location at the 20 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
very end of a canal just feet from the Caloosahatchee River. Brian says this gives it the best of both worlds. “We get the view down the river but the calmness of the canal by being one house off the river,” Brian says. On one side of the house, the master suite seems endless. Two walls of sliding glass doors pocket into the walls, opening the room to the lanai and wide water views. Brian’s wife, Kristin Haag, loves the master suite. “I think it is being able to lay there, and it looks like the pool is overflowing into the river,” she says. “We watch the sun come up. It feels like you are on an island.” That was what Brian had in mind when he designed the room.
“I wanted this to feel like you wake up and you are on vacation,” he says. The king-size bed with its light teal accents matches the teal wood table under the television. “This is my favorite room in the whole house,” Brian says. Designer Kristin Lyons says she enjoyed helping create that look. “The master bedroom, we still kept it very light but had the bed situated so that it was looking out over the water and the pool,” she says. “We brought in colors of the water and sky, so it feels like you are on an island in paradise. When you open that room up, you feel like you are outside.” The cypress wood ceiling over the bed has the same dark wood as the family room.
| MODEL BEHAVIOR |
FREE SEMINAR
Facelift vs RF Microneedling. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The section of lanai under roof is enormous. There is a living room area, a large dining table and an outdoor kitchen. • The builder wanted the home to have a tropical look, so the front entrance is hidden behind giant elephant ear plants, mature palm trees and other greenery. • One of the most unique pieces of furniture in the home is in the bathroom by the pool and den. • The kitchen and dining area have large sliding doors that open the home to the lanai and pool area. • This guest room was done in tropical colors.• The lanai also has a bar area with even more seating. Just outside this section beyond the roofline is a spiral staircase that leads to a second-story balcony.
The master closet is gigantic. Brian says the home was originally designed to have a four-car garage, but when his wife wanted a bigger closet, it was downsized to a three-and-a-half-car garage. “It’s humongous,” Kristin Lyons says of the closet. “We gave her that large closet space. It is like another whole room. She has the comfort having that closet being a dressing area and closet at the same time.” Kristin Haag says the large closet was one of three things on her bucket list for the house. “I really wanted in the house: the front porch, the outdoor living and the huge closet that we can both share,” she says. On the other side of the house, behind a dark wooden barn door, is the guest area. One room has a gray bedspread with teal and yellow pillows. The bathroom has two doors, one to the bedroom and one to the hallway. The second guest room has its own bathroom. That room is decorated with a white bedspread highlighted with a blue throw blanket. In the corner is a huge square padded seat with pillows. Brian says his daughter, who is away at college, suggested a room that had a comfortable sitting area. “She wanted something to sit and lounge around in that was not the bed,” Brian explains. The fourth bedroom is decorated as a den. A teal couch faces sliding glass doors that lead to the lanai. The bathroom doubles as a pool bathroom, and it has one of the most unique pieces of furniture in the home. A long wooden cabinet looks like it has been decorated with
crayon colors of teal, light pink, blue, dark orange and gray. On top sits a round sink bowl. “We actually found it up in Maryland,” Kristin Haag says. “We saw it and just fell in love with it. It’s Hawaii meets California and that was the perfect piece.” Outside, a black spiral staircase leads to a terrace on the second story. There is nothing else up there except a big seating area on the wide terrace under roof. Brian says it is a great place for watching the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve fireworks over the river. It’s also a place to sit and relax and see the panoramic river views. In the past Brian gave his models names that ended with the word wind. But this new model is called the Makai, which means toward the sea. “We ran out of the names with wind, so we went with a Hawaiian name,” Brian says. It has four bedrooms and a den, four bathrooms and a three-car garage. The home spans 3,768 square feet under air with a total of 7,262 square feet of living space. The model received a Superior Home Award in the 2020 BIA Parade of Homes and won a trio of ACE Awards in the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association’s 2020 Builders’ Showcase this year. It won Best Pool and Best Kitchen for homes priced at $1.5 million and higher. It also won Best Overall Pool Design. “This has to be special; it is the builder’s house, so you have to get it right,” Brian says about the Makai model. While the home is still being used as a model, the Haags are loving life living there. “Life in the house has become for us a place to recharge,” Brian says. “It feels very much like we are living in a resort. Our design people really hit it out of the park. “It lends itself to destressing every day. We have high pressure careers, and once you get inside the house, life moves at a different pace. It gives us a place to communicate. We can get together at the fire pit with friends. We cook outside three or four nights a week. We drop the screens and sleep with the door open. Life feels good when you are here. It is a place where we can really enjoy ourselves, not just us but family and friends.” “We walk in and feel like we are on vacation every day,” Kristin says. “It is a really special house.”
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| DINING |
STORY BY GINA BIRCH
WATERFRONT DINING
WITH A TWIST Book a gondola ride as a side to your 1500 South experience. t’s one of the best kept secrets in Naples,” says Paul Ditheridge about 1500 South, the signature restaurant at Naples Bay Resort & Marina. The director of sales and marketing says, “When people walk in they say ‘WOW.’ And with the stars having finally aligned with La Gondola Naples, we really have something special and unique.” Facing the docks of a scenic marina community across from the famous Tin City, this
sophisticated restaurant is clean and white with lots of earth tones and blue accents. Glass sliders open the main dining room to the water and al fresco dining. Manned by Executive Chef William Conroy, the kitchen is a well-oiled machine. “I love to be creative and play with colors, textures and designs,” the New Jersey native says.
Pan-seared salmon with basil mashed potatoes AT RIGHT: A gondola sets out from the dock in front of 1500 South for a 50-minute excursion in Naples Bay.
Fresh grouper ceviche with roasted corn, heirloom tomatoes and crispy yucca chips. 22 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
| DINING |
PHOTOS SPECIAL TO GRANDEUR
ABOVE: Creamy sweet corn sauce serves as the base for succulent scallops topped with bacon jam. LEFT: An homage to one of the states where Chef William Conroy worked before moving to Southwest Florida is Colorado rack of lamb with Peruvian potatoes.
His menu undergoes a complete overhaul every year — currently contemporary American cuisine relying heavily on locally sourced ingredients. Conroy is quick to share credit for his menu successes with his sous chefs, particularly Navar Requena. He also has a passion for education, embracing international students and professionals who work in his kitchen every season through the J-1 Visa program. Conroy teaches them culinary skills, and in return they share their native cuisine, inspiring the chef with different flavors, seasonings and preparations. Seafood selections include red curry snapper, black grouper, and salmon. The latter is seared then put in the oven, basted with butter, thyme and garlic. Served with basil whipped mashed potatoes, the colors pop on the plate.
Chef Conroy created his pan-seared scallops entrée in the fashion of deconstructed corn chowder. Luscious corn puree is the base for fire roasted potatoes and succulent scallops topped with a sweet, salty, smoky bacon jam. It’s full of flavor and is a big hit. A strip of sugar cane serves as a skewer for Jamaican jerk shrimp. Grilled in a citrus glaze, the skewer is accompanied by a generous serving of delicate basmati rice and pineapple jalapeno salsa. Carnivores rave about the Colorado rack of lamb (served with Peruvian potatoes, carrot puree and roasted carrots) and the New York strip. The 10-ounce piece of beef is drizzled with roasted shallot hollandaise sauce and a mound of mouthwatering blue cheese au gratin potatoes. GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 23
| DINING |
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| DINING |
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 1500 South Executive Chef William Conroy. • Seasonal salads feature local produce. • Gondolier Matthew “Marcello” Haynes, owner of La Gondola Naples, serenades passengers on trips around Naples Bay. • Grilled jerk shrimp with tropical salsa is a favorite appetizer at 1500 South. • Pan-seared snapper is served in coconut red curry sauce.
The pasta is made in house, along with the dough used to make flatbreads and pizzas. Fluffy biscuits are given to diners instead of bread; their seasonings change almost daily. They’re a big hit during Sunday Brunch. For dessert, the award-winning Key lime creme brulee is a must. Unlike a traditional creme brulee, it’s served free-form rather than in a ramekin. Chef shakes his head, “I worked for two weeks straight on it and almost gave up.” Not only did he have to nail the consistency for the free form but also the right ratio of Key lime juice to keep the mix from curdling. The result is a silky-smooth dessert with a near perfect balance of sweet and tart, topped with a small sculpture made from spun sugar. It’s served with a side of diced tropical fruit and a thin, crisp disk of coconut crumble. Chef and his team also put together savory charcuterie and cheese boards, light bites, desserts, Champagne, wine, and any number of items for diners to enjoy during excursions with La Gondola Naples. It’s one of the most unique dining/entertaining combos in Southwest Florida. Departing from the docks in front of the restaurant, gondolier Matthew “Marcello” Haynes takes passengers on a 50-minute ride around Naples Bay. Using one long oar to propel his Venetian gondola, Marcello makes steering look effortless, stopping under bridges to serenade passengers along the way. The experience has become wildly popular with couples, but the gondola is large enough to accommodate six. It is a perfect way to begin or end a night at 1500 South. Additionally, 1500 South has live music nightly, concerts on Sundays, Happy Hour specials and a popular two-course early dining menu. 1500 South closes for the summer season but plans to reopen in November with a new menu. However, by most accounts, the Key lime creme brulee will make a triumphant return.
Catch a gondola ride with us! Visual journalist Jamie Stoddard shares video of Gina Birch and Executive Chef William Conroy’s gondola ride with Matthew “Marcello” Haynes at the helm. See the video at grandeurmagazine.com. GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 25
| COVER STORY |
STORY BY ANDREA STETSON
Step aboard some of the f inest yachts in Southwest Florida. PHOTOS BY ANDREW WEST
Each vessel is decked out with the latest technology, roomy
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living quarters and full amenities. One has a hot tub. One was borrowed by the Kardashians. Another is available for charters.
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This 115-foot Sunseeker is one of the grandest boats in Southwest Florida. It is like a luxury home on the water. The boat features five large bedroom suites plus three more bedrooms for crew. There’s a living room, dining room, full kitchen and even a hot tub on board.
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here are 48,129 boats registered in Lee County and another 22,664 in Collier County, according to the latest numbers f rom the state. These vessels range f rom little inflatable dinghies to luxury yachts that stretch more than 100 feet long. The deluxe boats come in a variety of looks and sizes, f rom sailing vessels to powerboats. These amenity-f illed vessels have bedroom suites, deluxe living rooms and the latest technology. Many owners are private and don’t want media attention about their amazing boats. But we found some willing to open their doors — doors to vessels grander than some homes — and give us a peek inside.
PHOTOS BY JON AUSTRIA
BELOW: Cherubini vessels are very rare. There are only 35 of these handmade sailing yachts in the world. One of them is here in Naples. This 44-foot luxury yacht was custom made and is known for its durability and style. FACING PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Ed and Lisa Wilbraham are the owners of this unique Cherubini sailing yacht. • There is seating on the outside deck and more places to relax in the living room area below deck.• The Wilbrahams sometimes take the helm of their vessel, but usually leave it up to their captain to do the steering. • The vessel has both a bedroom with a queen bed and another section with two twin beds. One of the unusual features is that is uses lithium ion batteries instead of a generator to power the air conditioner and refrigerator.
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The Cherubini
PHOTOS BY JON AUSTRIA
Cherubini Yachts has only made 35 vessels in 30 years. That’s because the handcrafted sailboat is so labor intensive it takes about two years to construct. Ed and Lisa Wilbraham are excited to have one of these rare vessels. They bought their 44-foot sailboat in August 2016 and love all its special features. “First, there are very few of them,” Ed says. “This is hull No. 35.” The hull is not fiberglass like most boats. Instead, it’s a vinyl ester resin. “We can plow into a lot of stuff,” Ed says. “It is solid. These boats are really seaworthy vessels. Their claim to fame is not only are they great sailing boats, but they have a great longevity.
These boats are capable of making transatlantic passages, not that I would ever want to try that.” Lisa appreciates how the boat could be customized. The inside cabin was lowered so their son, who is 6 foot, 3 inches, could easily walk inside without hitting his head. The boat has a Scheel keel that runs the whole length of the vessel and draws only 4 feet, 10 inches of water. The vessel has four sails that easily unfurl and raise when needed, and fit snuggly in a zippered bag
when not in use. “This boat is a ketch because the helm is behind the mizzenmast,” Ed explains. Inside there is a bedroom in the front of the boat with a queen-size bed decorated in navy with a white rope design. Built-in dressers offer lots of storage. In the back of the cabin are two additional beds. There’s a full bathroom and a kitchen with a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, stovetop and ice maker. The living room has cushioned seating around a table. Honduran mahogany
wood is seen in the trim, doors and other details. Lisa likes the “dolphin scratcher” on the outside of the boat. “They really do use it,” Lisa says. “I have many videos of them swimming along beside us.” Ed likes a new feature in this vessel. “This is the first boat that [Cherubini] built with lithium-ion batteries,” Ed says. “There are two gigantic batteries instead of a generator. So there is no noise to run the air conditioner or refrigerator. These are silent and capable of charging rapidly.” GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 29
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The silence on the water is something the Wilbrahams love. Their smokeless 85-horsepower engine is rarely used. “One of the things about operating a sailboat is I only fill my tank once a year,” Ed says. “It is a 50-gallon diesel. There is no cost. We only power out to the bay and back from the bay. Then we cut the engines.” He’s also proud of the boat’s new technology. “It has all the necessary radar and all the latest technology,” Ed says. “Everything is touchscreen.” The boat took two and a half years to build and customize. “Not everybody wants to wait two and a half years while a boat is being made,” he says. The handmade vessel was constructed in New Jersey. The Wilbrahams, who spend summers in New Jersey, got to watch some of the building process. “[The Cherubini family] has a great made-inAmerica product,” Lisa says, adding that they are
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artists at their craft. Unlike many large vessels that are rarely used, the Wilbrahams sail twice a week. Capt. Bob Skorney helps them maintain and drive the boat. “Our primary sailing is a five-hour event,” Ed says. “We sail out, have lunch, cruise around the Gulf and come back in. We have sailed to the Keys. That’s a 15-hour adventure at sea. That is a nice sail.” The boat is docked at the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club. At Christmas white lights are strewn around the masts. “It is really pretty,” Lisa says. “They sparkle like the Eiffel Tower.” For Memorial Day they put nautical flags up the mass and down the front. Naming a grand boat isn’t easy. The Wilbrahams wanted a name with meaning. They named it Alliance. “Lisa and I grew up in the Philadelphia area,” Ed explains. “I had been a member of (The Society of)
the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. George Washington and John Barry were members of the society. The name of one of the frigates was Alliance. That was the name because of the alliance between France and America. Commodore Barry and the Alliance are important to me. It means something.” This is the fourth Cherubini the Wilbrahams have owned. “One of the boats was used by the Kardashians on the show ‘Khloe and Kourtney Take the Hamptons,’” Ed says. “They gave us a call and said the producer would really like a nice boat and would we loan it to them for the summer. We have lots of pictures of them. That was our 24-foot runabout Cherubini.” The 44-foot boat in Naples is their largest. It is also their last. “It is the last, the last boat I am going to buy,” Ed says. “When I retired down here in Florida, I wanted to have a really good sailing vessel. It is a wonderful boat and I expect to have it the rest of my life.”
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The Galeon
PHOTOS BY JON AUSTRIA
Cindy and Mike Miller were looking to buy a second home in Missouri. What they chose instead was a 55-foot Galeon yacht with twin 725-horsepower engines. The vessel has three bedrooms and an additional room for crew. Since they purchased their new yacht, the Millers have been enjoying lots of adventures afloat with their children and grandchildren. “This is our first boat,” Mike says. “We jumped in.” The couple purchased their vessel last May from MarineMax. “We have taken it to the Keys. We go snorkeling. We want to go to the Bahamas,” Cindy says. She adds the boat is great for family time, especially with their five grandchildren who range in age from 8 to 15.
FACING PAGE: Cindy and Mike Miller love their 55-foot Galeon. They both took boating classes so they can drive their boat themselves without a hired captain. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The owners love taking their children and grandchildren on the yacht, which is docked at Hamilton Harbor. • The living room has lots of seating on multiple couches. The seats on the right pull out and move toward the table when needed. Under the seats there is lots of storage space. • The master suite has a queen-sized bed and even has room for a little sitting area. • The vessel has a helm outside on the top deck under roof and another helm inside on the main level.
“The grandkids love it,” Cindy says. “They love the tender. They do tubing. When we go out on the weekends, they can bring friends. They love that. It makes it special.” Cindy and Mike also enjoy taking the boat out with friends, cruising around the Gulf of Mexico, stopping for lunch and enjoying all the comforts on board. “We try to get out fairly often,” Mike says. “We live in a golf community and we play golf. Now we
slow down on the golf a little bit because this is a lot of fun.” Mike says they are on the boat at least once every two weeks. They love watching the dolphins play beside the boat. “We have videos of the dolphins following us,” Cindy says. They have traveled to Marco Island, Fort Myers and Cape Coral.
“We love going to Keewaydin after a storm,” Cindy says. “We find some really good shells.” The boat has a tender that seats six. They lower the little boat from the bigger vessel and use it to go to beaches or tubing. Unlike other yacht owners who hire a captain and crew, Mike likes to take the helm himself. Both Mike and Cindy took 48 hours of boating lessons to make sure they felt comfortable driving the vessel. “We enjoy doing it ourselves,” Cindy says. GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 31
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“We both have training. He is fabulous at parking it.” “Parking is a little bit of a challenge,” Mike admits. “I have some construction background, so I have experience driving construction equipment. It was a little bit scary because it is a really great boat. It is a little intimidating. But it just takes a lot of practice.” The boat can be driven from a helm on the upper level or from inside the main cabin. The top area is the preferred place to be. There’s a huge cushion in the very front for sprawling out and relaxing. “The grandkids love that,” Cindy says. Behind the helm is a table with seating for about 16 people. There are even more places to sit in the back of the upper deck. “We had 17 people up here and they could spread out,” Mike says. The hard roof over this area has a sunroof opening. “We opened it for the Fourth of July and watched the fireworks,” Cindy says. “It was fabulous.” There’s also a little refrigerator and grill on the
The upper deck of the Galeon has a sky roof that opens. The Millers say it’s great for watching fireworks on the Fourth of July.
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upper level. Inside the cabin is the kitchen, living room and another helm for driving. The kitchen has a beverage refrigerator, a regular refrigerator and a freezer. There is a convection oven and two burners. That room opens to the living room with seating around a table and side seats that slide out to the table when needed. Under the seats are large storage compartments. Down a few steps are the bedrooms. The master suite has a queen bed decorated in light silver and aqua colors. A flat-screen television hangs on the wall opposite the bed. There is also a sitting area by windows. “It’s a good size,” Cindy says. One guest room has a queen-size bed snuggled between two windows. A skylight above gives the room even more light. The second guest room has two twin beds that can be pulled together to make a full bed. The three full bathrooms each have room for a
shower, toilet, sink and some storage. All the doors and walls feature shiny two-toned wood. “I love the finish on the walls,” Cindy says. “It is two different wood grains.” Cindy and Mike also like that the boat has stabilization to keep it from rocking side to side. “With the Seakeeper, you don’t get the sloshing around,” Mike says. “There was a storm we went through and we didn’t even feel it. We were sitting perfectly still.” The Millers named their vessel Glory Days. “We love Bruce Springsteen, so it is a play on his song,” Cindy explains. “We didn’t want to do the typical boat names,” Mike adds. “It is more our generation. Our sons laugh and say our next boat will be ‘The Boss.’” “We play Bruce Springsteen music going in and out,” Cindy says. “We play ‘Born to Run,’ ‘Dancing in the Dark’ and ‘Glory Days.’”
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The Azimut
PHOTOS SPECIAL TO GRANDEUR
Dan and Monica Klingerman just bought the Azimut 66 and are looking forward to many new adventures afloat. The four-bedroom, plus crew quarters, vessel was built in Italy and finished with Italian leathers and Italian marble. “We are very excited. We are looking forward to it,” Dan says as he waits for his new boat to arrive. “The Azimut yachts are very sleek-looking. The amenities that they have are just outstanding. With this vessel being 66-foot, it has four state rooms, which is very rare. The outdoor areas are best in class and have seating for 18 people. Another really interesting thing is the high speed. For a short duration, it goes 27 knots, which is an unbelievable speed. It has all the bells and whistles. It is an all-around phenomenal vessel. We are thrilled to death.”
The vessel has 2,250 total horsepower on its two engines. It also comes with a Williams jet tender. A Seakeeper gyro stabilizer keeps the boat from rocking. The Klingermans plan to keep the boat, which was built in 2016, at a marina in Fort Myers but also dock it occasionally near their Marco Island home. They already have a long list of places they plan to explore with their new vessel. “Useppa, Boca Grande, Captiva, Sanibel — they are all beautiful areas,” Dan says. “With the speed
of this boat, you can be in the Florida Keys in three hours. And we want to go to the Bahamas.” Dan says he will have a captain and one or two mates depending upon how many people are on the boat. There’s a lot of seating on their new vessel. On the upper deck, under the hard roof, is a wraparound couch by a table and more seats behind that. The upper deck also has the bridge helm. In the back are three more cushioned benches. Beyond the roof area in the front of the vessel is another huge
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Dan and Monica Klingerman just bought a 66-foot Azimut. When they are not boating, they plan to rent the boat to people who want to use a luxury yacht. • There’s plenty of seating, including this lounge area on the top deck. • Inside the Azimut there is a long living room with windows on either side to give lots of natural light. That room flows into another sitting area, the kitchen and the inside helm. GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 33
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cushioned area with spaces for both sitting and reclining. There is also outdoor seating under roof one level down with a table and more benches. Inside is a living room with white leather couches set around a coffee table. That room opens to a kitchen and a dining area and the indoor helm with its two large padded chairs. A few steps down are the state rooms. The master bedroom looks like one that could be in a house. The king-size bed has windows both behind the headboard and facing the bed. Nightstands on either side have charging ports. There is a flat-screen television on the wall. By the windows are deep plush seats and a table. The guest rooms all have windows that can be blocked out with dark shades. One guest bedroom has two twin bunks. One has bunk beds. There’s also a stateroom suite with a queen-size bed. “When we saw this thing, we knew it was 34 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
perfect,” Dan says. The Klingermans gave their boat a name with a story behind it. “Daddy’s Lady is the nickname of our dog,” Dan explains. “We have a Great Dane and she is the most wonderful animal in the world. She is 11 years old, which is unusual for a Great Dane. Ever since she was a baby, she was attached to me and everyone refers to her as Daddy’s Lady.” The 140-pound dog’s given name is Ava. The Klingermans have decided to let others experience the boat they love. For about $31,000 a week, people can charter the boat with its crew. “We have a lot of friends interested in chartering the boat,” Dan says. “There are a lot of people that want to use a boat like this but don’t want the responsibility of storing it and maintaining it.” Image Yacht Charters will market the vessel on the west coast of Florida (imageyachtcharters.com). MarineMax Yachts will market the boat on the east
PHOTOS SPECIAL TO GRANDEUR
ABOVE: On the upper deck is a very wide padded area for seating. The owners of this boat say they love that they can have so many people on board and have plenty of places for everyone to relax. RIGHT: One of four bedrooms aboard the Azimut.
coast and the Bahamas (marinemaxyachts.com). “You are seeing more and more of it right now because the charter business is active,” says Brandon Flaherty, senior executive salesman at MarineMax. “And the boats are only used a handful of times by the owners. It gets the boats to good destinations. It will also be available for day trips for someone who just wants to go out for the day.”
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The grandest yacht we boarded was a 115-foot Sunseeker. This amazing vessel had a master suite, four guest suites and three more cabins for a captain and crew. Glossy American black walnut covers the walls, tables, dressers and more. The main floor has a living room that’s large enough for two white leather couches and four black leather chairs around a coffee table. The dining room has a long table with plush chairs for eight people. Sliding glass doors lead to the back of the boat where there are more places to sit, and there’s seating at an island with bar stools. Sliding glass doors on the side of the living room open to a walkway that can be lowered into a terrace when the boat is not moving. Hidden behind doors on the side is a kitchen with a full-size refrigerator and freezer, oven, stovetop, dishwasher and lots of counter and cabinet space. RIGHT: The top deck of this 115-foot Sunseeker has both an indoor helm and an outdoor helm. There is lots of seating, a wet bar and a hot tub. BELOW: The owner named his yacht Tera-Byte because he worked in the computer business.
PHOTOS BY ANDREW WEST
The Sunseeker
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At the front of the boat, the master suite is full beam. There is a king-size bed, a huge flat-screen television, a dresser, desk, large windows on both sides and a sitting area with a white leather couch. The master bathroom is large enough for two sinks, the toilet and a sizable glass-walled shower. Downstairs are four guest rooms each with their own bathroom and television. There are two with queen-size beds, nightstands and a desk. The other two have two twin beds. All the guest suites have lots of windows and numerous charging ports. In another section downstairs are the crew quarters. All three bedrooms have a bathroom. The captain has his own room, and there are two additional rooms with bunk beds for crew members. The crew also have their own living room. The top level has helms on the inside and
The hot tub is one of the most luxurious features of this yacht. The boat also has two tenders that can be lowered in the water and used to get to shore, for fishing or for tubing and snorkeling adventures.
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outside. Outside under the hard-top roof are tables, chairs and bench seating. There’s also a hot tub. Canvas snaps onto the carpeting on the stairs and bedrooms to keep it clean when the boat is in the marina. There’s both anchor stabilization and stabilization for when the boat is underway. The boat has two diesel engines with 2,600 horsepower each. There’s a 39-foot Nor-Tech tender for fishing and trips to port and a smaller 21-foot tender for tubing and wakeboarding. The yacht was built in 2015 in England. Richard Levi, owner of Diversified Yacht Services on Fort Myers Beach, is the owner of the yacht. He named the boat Tera-Byte because he was in the technology business. Chas Donahoe is the captain. He’s been taking the Levi family on adventures afloat for more than two decades.
“We don’t have an aggressive traveling schedule,” Chas says. “We spend a lot of time with family, lots of local beach days, lunch cruises. We do the Keys. We do the Bahamas at least once a year. The farthest we’ve gone is Turks and Caicos. The owner loves the Bahamas. We typically go to the southwestern Bahamas. It is a less traveled area of the Bahamas.” Chas says they mostly anchor offshore and not in marinas. “I think it is unique to anchor out,” Chas says. “That is one of the things I enjoy about the boat. We don’t go somewhere and tie up in the marina. There is lots of water play, snorkeling, fishing and general beach excursions.” Chas’s wife captains the 39-foot fishing boat that they lower from the vessel for many of their adventures.
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PHOTOS BY ANDREW WEST
CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: The master suite has a kingsized bed, a sitting area with a white leather couch and a large flat-screen television. Two doors on either side of the suite lead to the master bathroom. • The living room is huge and has space for two large leather couches four plush chairs and the coffee table. Sliding glass doors at the back of the living room and both sides lead to the outdoor decks. • The captain says he prefers to drive at the outside helm, but when the weather is cold and dreary he will use the very modern inside helm. • The master bathroom has a large glass shower, two sinks and the toilet area. There is also lots of storage space.
In March the family had planned to boat to St. Petersburg to watch the Firestone Grand Prix. The event was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Chas has fond memories of past years. “They have a reserved space for yachts, and you have a view of the track,” Chas explains. “It’s a fun time.” The family travels with a full-time chef, and they eat most of their meals on board. “She just cooks very high quality everyday American fair,” Chas says. “Her sole job is providing food. And it is food for 15 people, three meals a day, so it is a big job.” With five cabins plus crew quarters, the boat can accommodate as many as 10 passengers plus five
crew members for overnight trips. It can handle more passengers for day trips. “Right after Christmas we do a family and friends trip and had eight adults and 14 kids,” Chas says. “We stay busy. Once we get to our destination, our job is to show them a good time.” Richard has four grandchildren, so Chas will lower the small tender and take them tubing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, snorkeling or swimming. “The owner is here every other week,” Chas says. “When he is here and we don’t have a big trip, we will do local things — lunch or a cocktail cruise.”
Sometimes the owner just comes on board in the marina and sits on the deck watching the boats go by, and there are lots of boats to see. There are 17 million recreational boats in the United States. Florida ranks No. 1, according to some reports; the state reported 950,740 registered boats in 2018, the latest year available. The annual U.S. sales of boats, marine products and services are estimated to total $42 billion in 2019, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. While most boats are not as luxurious as these featured yachts, they all give their owners adventures afloat.
GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 37
FOR
SIPS SPRING A selection of wines and a cocktail recipe apropos for the season
hen talking about wines perfectly suited for spring, rosés are an easy choice. I recently attended a dinner at Naples Wine Collection where I had the pleasure of sitting next to Donny Sanders, the tasting coordinator and wine sales specialist for the expansive retailer that is also home to the Cave Bistro & Wine Bar. We began the evening sipping a delightful Canard Vineyard Coucher de Soleil Estate Rosé made from merlot, cabernet franc and zinfandel. We admired its complexity, the beautiful pink color, it’s sexy packaging and relished in the fact that with only 200 bottles made, four of them were on our table. We also decided to skip the obvious suggestion of rosé for April’s wine feature and teamed up to offer these recommendations instead.
Gina Birch Gina Birch is the wine columnist for The News-Press in Fort Myers. Follow her social media here: Twitter: @ ginabirch Facebook: GinaBirch
Donny Sanders
Guest columnist and tasting coordinator and wine sales specialist at Naples Wine Collection
DONNY’S WINE PICKS
SIMPLE
Ulises Valdez 2017 Chardonnay • While not a favorite varietal of many of you any more, I love this chardonnay. I also love a great story and have been known to tell a few. While Ulises Valdez himself is no longer with us, it’s the quintessential story of an immigrant field worker who through his hard work and determination became a naturalized U.S. citizen and one of the top vineyard managers in Sonoma County. The family still manages vineyards for some of Sonoma’s top estates, and you’ll see some wineries pay tribute to Ulises with a U.V. designation on the bottle. This wine is delicious and wellbalanced with layers of fruit, pear, apple, slight butterscotch and a rich, long-lasting finish. ($39)
GINA’S WINE PICKS
| WINE & SPIRITS |
2018 Mettler Albarino • Albarino is Spain’s best-known white grape. Not a lot of it is grown in California, but you’ll find it at Mettler Family Vineyards, one of the oldest farming families in the Lodi region. They only make about 1,000 cases of it. I uncorked a bottle while lunching around a friend’s pool on a balmy afternoon. Alongside flavorful vegetable paella, it was the perfect pairing. The wine was crisp with gentle acidity and flavors of apple and pear. Its mouthfeel was bigger than I expected, making it a wellrounded wine that disappeared way too soon. ($19.99)
2018 Barnett “Tina Marie Vineyard” Pinot Noir • This is a new wine to the store but from a muchrespected producer and vineyard source. It has beautiful aromatics (blueberry, plum and cinnamon) and soft, elegant tannins. The finish is textbook pinot noir — bright cherries and pomegranates with a touch of oak. We sell another producer’s pinot from this exact vineyard and love it also. Unfortunately I’ve been told they won’t have access to that fruit going forward. Tina Marie Vineyard — remember that name! ($53)
Fratelli Ponte Barbera D’Asti Superiore • Every time I drink barbera, I wonder why I don’t do it more often. It’s such a food-friendly, and generally affordable, Italian wine. Not too bold, not too light, just right for a red wine in springtime. The label looks like fun, and that’s exactly what I had when trying it recently with Massimo Ponte, of Fratelli Ponte. This is his house wine and may soon be mine, too. 100% barbera, it is medium bodied with flavors of dark berries — bright, with enough acid to cut through hearty pasta or with a dish featuring truffles. ($26)
2018 Venge “Scout’s Honor” • A crowd favorite, this zinfandel heavy blend reminds me of what the Prisoner was like, 15 years ago. That says a lot about both my respect for this wine and the fact that I’ve been selling and enjoying wine for almost all my adult life. It’s built from two old vine lots of zinfandel from Calistoga (Frediani and Signal Fire) with charbono, petite sirah and some syrah from the famous Stagecoach Vineyards. This should be great, I believe it over delivers, and it may be my favorite wine to recommend to new customers who I’d like to make friends with. ($48)
Fel Pinot Gris 2018 Alexander Valley • You probably know that pinot gris and pinot grigio are the same grape, and let’s face it — there are a lot of uninspiring pinot grigios out there. This is not one of them. It’s another small production wine (845 cases) and it comes from Cliff Lede of Lede Family Wines. The grapes that are used to make it come from several sites in Alexander Valley. To me, it screams spring, zesty, with tropical flavors and stone fruits such as pear and nectarine. The wine also spends some time in neutral oak barrels, which adds a little body. ($28) (Wine prices may vary.)
38 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
COCKTAIL PICK
| WINE & SPIRITS |
COOL AS A CUCUMBER Butterfly pea flower is the new “it” ingredient for mixologists, and I can’t think of anything more perfect to represent spring. Its hue runs the spectrum from glowing blue to brilliant purple and soft pink. The color changes according to the pH level of the liquids it is mixed with. With a long history of being used for fabric dyes and teas in Asia, butterfly pea flower is also rumored to have a range of health benefits. On its own, the flower powder has a subtle flavor, often described as a bit like green tea, making it a
palatable addition to many spirits and tinctures. At 7th Avenue Social in Naples, dried butterfly pea flower is infused in gin and used in the Bee Social cocktail, a riff on a traditional Bees Knees. However Empress 1908 Gin comes pre-infused with butterfly pea blossom and it is delightful in both color and flavor. Empress 1908 is a small batch micro-distilled spirit from British Columbia that features botanicals that include juniper, rose, coriander seed, grapefruit peel, ginger root and cinnamon bark.
Further setting this gin apart is the addition of butterfly pea blossom and Fairmont Empress Blend Tea. The result is a warm yet lively gin with layers of spice, herbs, citrus and floral notes. It’s enjoyable to discover simply on the rocks, with tonic or in a cocktail. The color transforms from vivid indigo blue to a delicate pink with the addition of tonic or citrus. Gluten-free, certified kosher and with dramatic visuals, this gin makes for a fun evening of experimenting behind your home bar.
RECIPE • 1.5 ounces Empress 1908 Gin • 1 ounce lemon juice • 1 ounce simple syrup • 4-5 cucumber slices • 6-7 basil leaves • 1 cucumber ribbon for garnish Muddle the cucumber slices in the bottom of your shaker. Add the remaining ingredients and shake on ice. Strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with a basil leaf and cucumber ribbon.
GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 39
| RIDE |
STORY AND PHOTOS BY LANCE SHEARER
HE WROTE THE BOOK Ed Miller focuses on an automotive snapshot of a time gone by.
40 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
| RIDE |
d Miller has focused his car collecting on a very narrow niche of the antique market. His three vintage automobiles epitomize the luxury American cars of the early 1930s, cars that were rarities even in their day when brand new and are now rare as the proverbial hens’ teeth. Ed took such a deep dive into the background, characteristics, details and specifications of these cars that he put his knowledge into a printed volume, literally “writing the book” on this facet of the American driving experience. The years of 1932 to 1934 were the depths of the Great Depression, with breadlines, Hoovervilles, and millions unable to find work. Of course, there were a few who had plenty of funds, and they made up the — thin — market for
Ed Miller of Naples has concentrated his car collecting on luxury models from the depths of the Depression, owning a 1932 Cadillac, and 1933 and 1934 Packards.
“carriage trade” cars, such as those Ed has collected and lovingly restored. His vehicles include a 1932 Cadillac All-Weather Phaeton and two Packards: a 1933 Packard Twelve convertible sedan, with a V-12 engine, and a Packard Super Eight convertible sedan. If the Ford Model T and Model A were the cars of the masses, these were the cars of the moneyed elite. One of the first points Ed wants to make concerning the Packards and Cadillacs of the era is what they were not, and who was and was not driving them. They were not, he says, the vehicles of gangsters. “Criminals did not own these cars. One, they had no taste, and these wouldn’t have been flamboyant enough for
them. Two, they couldn’t afford them,” he says. And if you stole one, tooling around in an elegant Packard was bound to attract the attention of every bystander or law enforcement officer. So the Packards and Cadillacs were driven by — or for, since many were chauffeur-driven — the plutocrats of the day. “In New York, it might have been a banker. In a smaller town, there would only be one, and it would belong to the richest man in town,” Ed says. The 1934 Packard Twelve, for instance, sold new for $5,000, which might not seem like a lot, but the typical annual family income at the time was just $1,000, putting such luxury transportation far out of reach of the average consumer. GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 41
| RIDE |
Only a handful of these cars were produced, and even fewer survive today. The 1934 Packard Twelve had a production run of just 14, and only four remain. Ed bought his in 1990 and went through what he called “the eight-year restoration from hell. I found it in a mud puddle in a junkyard. Everything was redone at least twice; the fuel pump was rebuilt or restored 13 times.” Finding parts for a 1930s Packard, or even for a 1932 Cadillac built by a still-existing company, is difficult to impossible. Ed points out the beveled headlight cover on the Twelve. “Don’t break it,” he says. “You’ll never find another.” The years of meticulous restoration paid off. Now, like his other cars, the Twelve gleams in spotless perfection, as flawless as it might have been on the showroom floor 86 years ago. What is the car worth today? Ed says there is no way to know. “In the 30 years I’ve had this car, there has not been a public sale” of the model. But now, he says, is the time to consider making your move and acquiring one of these pieces of history. “This is the time to buy them. Prices are de42 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
pressed. The people who collected these cars are dying in droves.” At age 71 himself, says the retired attorney, “I’m one of the youngsters.” Particularly because they are in such immaculate condition, the chances seem good that Ed’s cars might make their last stop, or their next stop, in a museum. Ed previously owned a 1930 Pierce-Arrow, the first antique American car he ever bought. Along with Duesenberg, these marques represent the epitome of this elegant strain of American motoring. “There are no ugly American cars” from this period, he says. “After ’34, the automakers went for a more streamlined look. These cars are the height of the classic era. They will become more collectible, as immobile objets d’art.” For now, though, all his cars are very much mobile, as Ed makes a point of exercising each regularly, either on the roads around his North Naples home, or heading to select car shows. “I will take the Cadillac or the Super Eight up to a thousand miles. The Twelve, I limit to 100 miles,” Ed says. He did take the 1934 Packard Twelve to
the Packard Centennial in Warren, Ohio, in 1999, but the car was shipped there and back. “I faced the toughest competition,” says Ed, and he has the hardware to show how he fared. “In our category, we tied for first nationwide.” Before getting hooked on Depression-era luxury rides, Ed spent years as a devotee of British motorcars, specifically small ones that went fast. “A friend of mine gave me a ride in his Triumph two-seater, and I had to have one,” he remembers. He bought a 1960 TR-3 in 1990 and traded up to a 1973 E-Type Jaguar, or the XK-E as it was known in the North American market. “I remember going 125 mph in that car with my wife screaming.” He babies his current stable, though. The Packard Twelve, he says, could do 93 mph at top end, “but you would destroy the value.” Ed purposely built a four-car garage, and no bigger, “so I wouldn’t go crazy. I’m not a dealer.” There is one slot still available, though, if some miscellany were moved out, but he is not looking to add to his collection. A second garage holds daily drivers, including Ed’s 2015 Genesis G80, but that, he says, “is just a
| RIDE |
Ed Miller of Naples has concentrated his car collecting on luxury models from the depths of the Depression, owning a 1932 Cadillac, and 1933 and 1934 Packards.
car. It means nothing to me.” Clearly his heart is given over to cars sporting exotic birds on their hoods, whether they be the Packard cormorant mascot (which was conceived as a stylized pelican and resembles neither bird) or the Cadillac heron ornament. Ed’s enthusiasm drove him to write a book about the luxury motor cars of the era between 1920 and 1942, delving into almost excruciating detail in a series of road tests of 28 of the finest examples — and naturally featuring his own.
The book, “Road Testing Cars of Distinction,” lays out the minutiae of technical specifications and driving characteristics of cars from, alphabetically, the 1935 Auburn 851 SuperCharged Speedster to the 1922 Wills Sainte Claire A-68 Roadster, but Ed’s puckish wit shines through the technical prose. A section speaking of the Packard Super Eight’s “dual vacuum-operated windshield wipers and why they might not be adequate to their task under all conditions concludes, “In other words, bring a bottle of Rain-X.” GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 43
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44 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
At Quail West, The Sophia III is a four-bedroom plus study/four-and-a-half-bath home with 4,892 square feet under air and 8,820 total square feet, including two two-car garages and an expansive outdoor living area with pool and spa. It offers a nearly 20- by 18-foot living room with an intricate ceiling, fireplace, wet bar with sink, and sliding glass doors that provide direct access to the outdoor living area with outdoor kitchen, pool and spa. The open kitchen has a large island counter with two sinks, a pantry and a dinette, while the large family room also has sliding glass doors on four different walls, proving easy access to every underroof area of the outdoor living space. The master retreat, which also has access to the outdoor living area, includes a wet bar and his and her oversized walk-in closets, while the master bath has his and her vanities, a private water closet, large shower, and separate soaking tub. . STOCK SIGNATURE HOMES With distinctive architectural styles, luxurious interiors and extensive customization options, Stock Signature Homes’ spacious residences are inspiring both inside and out. These exceptional residences feature masterful finishes, distinctive interiors and spectacular outdoor living spaces—all the elegant appointments luxury homeowners crave. Stock Signature Homes has become the luxury homebuilder of choice for more than 5,000 home-
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BROKER PARTICIPATION WELCOMED. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. NOT AN OFFERING WHERE PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 45
| STYLE |
INTERVIEWED BY ANNE REED | PHOTO BY ALEX DRIEHAUS
DANIELLE
MASIERO 46 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
WHO IS SHE: “I’m a homeschooling mom of four children with two dogs. My husband and I own Sweetwater Lifestyles Luxury Boat Club in Bonita Bay. I’ve lived in Southwest Florida for almost 30 years.” WHAT ARE HER FASHION INSPIRATIONS: “I’m a very
natural girl. I love to be active,
especially with the kids, so my style is very beachy with natural colors and a pop of coral, blue or ocean-inspired colors.” HER FASHION TIP?
“Your fashion should be versatile. You can go to the beach, but you might have something come up after, so wear something that can easily switch from beach to going out for brunch or drinks.”
| STYLE |
5
Danielle’s
FASHION ESSENTIALS FOR A DAY ON THE WATER
Sunshine and salt water might be good for the soul, but they can be harsh on jewelry. Danielle likes the bracelets from Pura Vida, which come in different color-themed style packs and are handmade in Costa Rica. “They are so fun and such a good cause,” she says. “The wax coating makes them super tough. I hardly ever take them off.” 1
NORTH SHORE PACK, $45 AT PURAVIDA.COM
This isn’t your average tote bag — it’s made with a special technical material to keep your keys, cell phone and snacks safe from splashes, spills and afternoon sprinkles. Another plus? Its size. “It holds two towels, my favorite water bottle, some snacks and a few toys, all of my sunblock, my cell phone and keys.”
For swimwear, Danielle looks for something that isn’t just stylish but able to keep up with family activities like beach volleyball. For extra coverage from the elements, she reaches for her favorite rash guard. “I like rash guards that have a zipper and cinch at the side. I pair it with cute bikini bottoms for a pop of color when I’m paddleboarding.”
2 BLAKELY DRESS, $82 AT CARVEDESIGNS.COM
Danielle travels a lot with her family and her go-to dress is from Carve designs. “They have the cutest flowy dresses that are cinched above the waist,” she says. “They are very flattering … It’s my favorite everyfunction dress.” 3
PINSTRIPE ZIPPER TOTE, $58 AT ALOHA-COLLECTION.COM
4 CRUZ RASHGUARD, $56 AT CARVEDESIGNS.COM
Danielle looks for a floppy basket-weave straw hat. “It’s kind of floppy and the sun can peek through it,” she says. “It gives you the feel of being under a palm tree.” 5
ST. TROPEZ HAT, $54 AT WALLAROOHATS.COM GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 47
| GETAWAY |
THE CITY OF
MUSIC MORE
PHOTOS SPECIAL TO GRANDEUR
Nashville offers a vibrant array of attractions, including music of all genres, museums, historic homes, wineries, distilleries and world-class cuisine.
48 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
| GETAWAY |
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum • Nashville city skyline • The General Jackson showboat in downtown Nashville • Music City Center • A live music club • Lane Motor Museum • The Grand Ole Opry
PHOTOS SPECIAL TO GRANDEUR
STORY BY JENNIFER THOMAS
s Floridians, we know the impact a disaster can have on a community and we realize how important tourism is to assist in rebuilding an area. Just as the coronavirus pandemic started to take root in the U.S., on March 3, Nashville was hit by a devastating tornado. However, the city immediately set about recovery. The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. hosts a running list of what’s open and other pertinent information — plus a quarantine playlist — at visitmusiccity.com. Nashville is nearly synonymous with the word music. Saying this city’s name sparks vivid memories of Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and “The Voice” sensation and finalist Sheena Brook, of Fort Myers. “As a songwriter, I commute between Nashville and Florida to write with other professional songwriters and connect with artists to collaborate with and bring talented artists to Florida as well,” Sheena says. She was already traveling to Nashville before “The Voice”; however, the frequency of trips has increased. “I also met so many Nashville artists on ‘The Voice’ and still maintain those relationships.” For those wanting to experience the music
scene, Sheena recommends heading downtown to the Honky Tonks, and she adds a few other favorites: “Some of my favorite spots to play would be The Bluebird, 3rd and Lindsley, and The Local, which are places that really let songwriters and artists shine with their original music. There is some unbelievable talent that most the world hasn’t heard yet. I host a show of all women (thefemmusic.com), and that is constantly an inspiration to watch these women write and perform such amazing songs.” Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. spokesperson Heather Middleton recommends visitors experience live music when traveling to Nashville. “There’s nothing like hearing songwriters perform their original music,” she says. Nashville is a creative city. “The music and food scenes are diverse and world-class, and you won’t find a friendlier city. The people in Nashville live Southern hospitality,” Heather says. Nashville has always been a “big-small town” for Sheena. “For being a big city, it has such a small-town vibe,” Sheena says. “Everyone knows everyone, and there are different pockets of artists and writers working hard. It’s a really fun town, and there is talent everywhere.” A must-do for the music lover visiting Nashville is going to the Grand Ole Opry. “I have been to the Opry once for a show. It was unbelievable, as you get a taste of new up-and-comers and some real heavy hitters all in one,” she says.
“Everyone should go.” For music trivia buffs, a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is another one to add to the itinerary. “The museum is huge. It’s a great experience in a really cool part of town,” Sheena describes. “There are exhibits from all your favorite new and old artists, and they also do events, too.” When visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame be prepared to spend the better part of your day there, advises Estero resident Lesley Gillen, who recently purchased a second home in Nashville. “The place is huge! It is so cool though. They have amazing memorabilia and interactive things to do, and I would say even if you are not a fan of country music, you will still love the museum,” she says. “I personally love the Johnny Cash Museum. It’s small and intimate but still has great displays, and if you are a fan of Patsy Cline — which I am — her museum is located upstairs.” Nashville offers a unique collection of experiences for vacationers. “Live music of all genres is accessible and affordable — add to that world-class museums, historic homes, boutique shopping, art galleries and a food scene that is diverse and creative and it adds up to a great getaway with broad appeal,” Heather says. The music scene in Nashville is very diverse. “Whether you’re looking for country, pop, blue grass, jazz, Americana, classical, rock — you can find it here,” Heather says. “A show at the Grand Ole Opry is both a music and historic experience. GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 49
| GETAWAY |
Other music stops include the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Ryman Auditorium, Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum and Historic RCA Studio B among many others.” Nashville’s appeal does not end with music. Lesley says she is attracted to Nashville for its vibrancy. After visiting a friend for about five years who lives in one of the city’s suburbs, Lesley and her husband fell in love with all the city offers and decided on this location for purchasing their second home. “There are always things going on and things to do. From music events, art shows, shopping, the amazing food scene, to the beautiful parks, waterfalls and lakes just outside of town, there really is something for everyone,” she describes. “We also like how the city is very walkable and dog friendly. In fact there is a little joke saying on the Germantown Dogs Instagram page that says if you don’t have a dog, one will be assigned to you. Dogs are everywhere, and establishments welcome them.” The first word that comes to mind when describing Nashville for Lesley is “nice.” “In fact, ‘Nashville Nice’ is a phrase you’ll hear a lot. It is a booming city but at heart it’s still a Southern city with Southern charm,” she says. “I always tell people to just explore. Explore the different neighborhoods around downtown. There are many small urban neighborhoods around downtown Nashville, and they are all very unique. Germantown, where I live, is the oldest neighborhood, and on the National Register of Historic Places. There you find brick paved sidewalks, warehouses converted into residences and businesses, the Tennessee State Museum, Nashville Farmers’ Market, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, and just a lot of charm left over from our 19th century German immigrants.” Taking in the city by neighborhood is a great way to experience Nashville, Heather agrees. “Whether that’s the downtown museums or the local, boutique shops and restaurants of neighborhoods like 12South, East Nashville or Germantown,” she says. Another historic neighborhood that has evolved into an eclectic vibe is East Nashville. “It’s becoming a very hip, artsy neighborhood,” Lesley says. The arts scene is also strong in this destination. The “What Lifts You” murals, sometimes called the “wings” murals, are in The Gulch, an industrialturned-trendy neighborhood near downtown. “Nashville might be Music City, but it also has an amazing arts scene. Obviously, the murals all around town are great Instagram spots, but there are also many theaters, and the Nashville Symphony along with other shows can be found at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center,” Lesley says. “The Tennessee Performing Arts Center is home to the Nashville Ballet, (Nashville) Opera and (Nashville) Rep Theatre. There is also the Frist Art 50 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
Museum, which is very cool because it doesn’t have any temporary displays and is always changing its exhibitions.” Heather also recommends experiencing the Frist Art Museum. “The building itself is a piece of art,” she says. “Nashville’s visual arts scene is thriving. Public art, murals and smaller galleries can be found all over town.” For murals, Lesley also recommends a visit to 12South for the famous “I believe in Nashville” site, along with boutiques, coffee shops, bakeries, bars and restaurants, and some very pricey old refurbished homes. Food and beverage novelties are also a traveler’s dream. “Nashville offers visitors wineries, craft distilleries and breweries — many of which offer tours and tastings,” Heather says. “The most well-known distillery would be Jack Daniel’s Distillery, which is located about an hour and a half outside of Nashville in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Guests can tour the facility, hear the story of how Jack Daniel’s came to be and have a taste of the Tennessee whiskey.” Lesley was surprised to learn that there are quite a few wineries around Nashville. “I have thus far only visited Arrington Vineyards, which is located about 30 minutes south of Nashville,” she says. “The grounds are beautiful, and you can chill with your wine on a blanket on the hillside overlooking the grapevines. I’ve also
visited the tasting room for Grinder’s Switch Winery at Marathon Village, and the tasting room for Natchez Hills Winery at the Farmers’ Market.” On the cuisine side, a traveler might instantly think of Memphis barbeque; however, Nashville is historically known for Nashville hot chicken and traditional Southern fare at meat-and-three restaurants — that’s a Nashville concept for one meat and three vegetables. “Hot chicken is a Nashville original. It was created nearly 100 years ago by Thorton Prince, who opened Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, which is still run by his great niece, Andre Prince Jeffries,” Heather explains. “Today you will find hot chicken establishments throughout Nashville and hot chicken dishes on the menu of restaurants all over town. The dish is basically fried chicken that uses cayenne and other spicy ingredients to serve the chicken at different heat levels.” Lesley also recommends a hot chicken experience when visiting town. “So many restaurants offer it with varying levels of heat, and many serve it alongside other Southern staples like greens, slaw, and mac and cheese,” she recalls. “Get ready for a sweaty brow! There’s even a yearly Nashville hot chicken festival.” Nashville is such a foodie town, according to Lesley. “What we really fell in love with is the fact that you don’t see many chain restaurants. Venture out into those neighborhoods, and that’s where we have found our favorite spots. In our little area of Germantown alone we have over 30 coffee shops/ restaurant/bars,” she says. “Like arts and music, the food scene also has something for everyone. Our favorites are within walking distance of our home and include Rolf and Daughters, Smokehouse on Sixth, 5th & Taylor, Butchertown Hall, Monell’s and Germantown Café. My husband and I are foodies and I feel like we will never run out of new restaurants to visit.” Lesley’s love for Nashville is demonstrated by her frequent traveling between her two homes. “I’ve been traveling back and forth between Nashville and Southwest Florida every two weeks for a year, and I still feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface of all that there is to do,” she says. “We still want to spend time exploring some of the towns farther from downtown, like Franklin, Brentwood, Belle Meade (and the Belle Meade Plantation), as well as visiting Andrew Jackson’s mansion and museum in Hermitage.” Some advice Lesley gives to tourists: “Don’t take your cowboy boots, especially in the summer. It’s hot and humid just like here,” she cautions. “And second, beware of the Bushwacker … it may look like a milkshake, but it will pack a punch!” Editor’s Note: At time of publication, Monell’s was closed due to tornado damage.
WELLNESS DIRECTORY
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There’s a new alternative to the busy Emergency Department Feeling sick during the week or weekend and can’t get in to see your primary care doctor? There’s a new alternative to the busy Emergency Department. Millennium’s Fort Myers & Cape Coral Walk-in Medical Centers are now open late and weekends to better care for you during all of life’s minor emergencies. There are no appointments necessary and wait times are much shorter than a typical Emergency Department or Urgent Care Center. The Walk-in is now accepting new patients, and you don’t have to be an established Millennium Physician Group patient to utilize the convenient services. Most insurance plans are accepted and
self-pay patients are always welcome. Millennium’s family-friendly Walk-in Medical Center provides treatment for all of your urgent care needs, such as colds, sore throats, flu, rashes and earaches. Our physicians also treat non-life threatening emergencies like sprains, abrasions, and burns. Our Walk-in Medical Center teams know that when you visit our Centers, you want to feel better quickly and without a lot of hassle. No need to wait in an emergency room or wait to schedule an appointment with your physician, the Walk-in Medical Center can see you today. Skip the Wait. No need to wait hours at a local
Emergency Room or busy Urgent Care Center. Millennium’s Walk-in Medical Centers now have a feature to allow you to view all of the wait times at their Walk-in facilities. You simply “skip the line” by pre-registering for a time that you would like to be seen for the day and essentially you get to “skip the line” when you arrive. If the provider is running behind you will receive a text message letting you know to come in a few minutes later, reducing any wait time. Log-on to www.MillenniumPhysician.com and select “Skip the Line” at the top of the webpage. View the wait times and get in line to feeling better today. To learn more about Millennium Physician Group, please visit www.MillenniumPhysician.com.
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| PETS RIDE |
STORY BY ANDREA STETSON PHOTOS BY AMANDA INSCORE
CASEY ROCKS The dancing umbrella cockatoo at the Everglades Wonder Gardens is destined to be a star.
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| PETS |
asey rocks — literally. The fluffy, white, blue-eyed, umbrella cockatoo with the snowy crest and curved black bill likes to rock to his favorite tunes. But he’s particular about what he dances to. It must have a great beat. “I sing opera, but he doesn’t like it. He likes the beat of rock,” says Zawi Borsa, the event manager for the Everglades Wonder Gardens. Zawi recently began shooting a Casey Rocks video of the white bird dancing to the song “3 Nights” by Dominic Fike, who is originally from Naples. The song rose to No. 3 on the charts in Australia. Casey loves the beat.
As the song blares on a speaker, Casey grips the black metal bars with his feet and then bobs up and down to the music. He spreads his wings revealing the splotches of yellow under his wings and tail. His head and entire body move up and down to the beat as guests at the Everglades Wonder Gardens admire him. “He does not like every song,” Zawi says. “It has to have a good beat. I think that is where the ‘Casey Rocks’ comes from.” Tom Hecker, executive director of the Everglades Wonder Gardens, says the video will be posted on YouTube. Casey already has lots of fans, but while he is cute and entertaining, Casey is not always nice. The bird was originally owned by a man in Naples who passed away leaving the bird to his children.
“He won’t bond with a new mate,” Tom explains. “When there is not another cockatoo on the scene, it is the human that becomes his mate. The man’s children inherited him, but he was mean to them.” Casey was donated to the Bird Gardens of Naples, which tries to find homes for birds. But Casey’s mean disposition made him unadoptable, so he was sent to the Everglades Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs where people appreciate his attitude. “He’s my favorite. I love Casey,” says April Cortright of Fort Myers. “He’s got a personality. He dissed me the first time I came here. I kept hearing him in the background saying, ‘Hello, hello,’ so I came over to him, and he said ‘Goodbye’ and he walked away. So the first time I came, I got dissed by a bird. So he’s my favorite.”
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During a visit earlier this year, Josh Nerison, of Naples, took video and photos on his phone as the bird danced. “He’s really cute,” Josh says. “He is so cool.” To spread the word on Casey’s coolness, Tom added Casey Rocks T-shirts to the gift shop. Zawi recently brought her children to rock with Casey. “They were playing their favorite songs and he was grooving and dancing, and it gets the kids involved,” she says. My 13- and 16-year-old were just as excited as my 5-year-old. They were really into Casey and the dancing. I was really impressed that it held the interest of teenagers.” Tom says Casey prefers men to women. When Tom walked into the cage, Casey ignored him. A bit later, the bird moved from the bars to a branch to get closer and observe Tom. “I usually go on the outside of the cage,” Tom says. “They are vicious birds.” Casey eats fruits and nuts and seeds. He likes chewing on a wooden box in his cage. When peo-
ple at the Everglades Wonder Gardens are nearby but not admiring him, Casey screeches loud and boisterously. When they arrive at his cage, he often ignores them or says, “Goodbye.” Tom says Casey only speaks two words: hello and goodbye. There’s a lot about Casey that is a mystery. Tom believes the bird is about 15 years old but does not know for sure. While Tom always refers to Casey as a male, that is also unknown. “You would have to do a DNA test to find out, and we didn’t do that,” Tom says. “We just treat him like a boy. Casey is a unisex name.” Tom and Zawi don’t care if Casey is male or female; they love his personality and his dancing. “It is always nice to connect to an animal,” Zawi says. “Here there is a lot to connect to, but Casey is
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not as well-known as the flamingoes or peacocks.” Tom says it’s not about making Casey more popular, it is about education. “You can’t beat the peacocks and flamingoes for beauty, but for smarts cockatoos are smarter than the average bird,” Tom says. “There are only a couple of animals that have rhythm and can dance. I like educating people through entertainment and that is where Casey is definitely an entertainer. It is not like the old days with stupid pet tricks. It shows off his intelligence and he does it because he enjoys it.”
| OPEN DOOR |
‘DOWNSIZING’ THEY BOUGHT A SMALLER HOUSE — BUT IT GREW ON THEM.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A bedroom displays the clean modern look that is emphasized throughout the home. • A playful reclining sculpture by artist Jorge Blanco has pride of place in the expansive pool area. • A gallery space is hung with black-and-white photo enlargements by Clyde Butcher, and a bright barn door serves as an accent. • The landscape architecture for the Weiss House, by John Ribes, features foxtail palms flanking the main entrance and gray stone picking up the hue of the standing seam metal roof. GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 59
| OPEN DOOR |
STORY BY LANCE SHEARER PHOTOS BY ROBERT CATASUS, ARCHITECTURAL & FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY
lbert Socol and Marlene Weiss knew what they wanted in their new home, they thought — they were ready to downsize and have a smaller house. And who better to understand an architectural project than this couple? Both are American Institute of Architects members. In addition to practicing his profession at a lofty level, Albert is a longtime professor of architecture, while Marlene, an AIA associate, has specialized in upscale interior design. The twosome have a history of dozens of successful design projects throughout Florida and beyond and have branched out to act as developers for high-rise mixed-use condominiums. The two met while both were working for the same architectural firm in Coral Gables, but over time, the peaceful beauty of Florida’s west coast seduced them, as well as the chance to start their own firm and create several signature projects in Southwest Florida, including the Twin Dolphins condominiums and the Fifth Third Bank Center, Naples’ largest office building. So they moved to Naples. 60 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
| OPEN DOOR | FACING PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: From the artichoke lamp over the glass and stainless dining set to the Israel Guevara painting, the look is clean and up to date. • The home features numerous seating areas for congregating or lounging. • Bamboo strip flooring, another Guevara canvas and a barn door in royal blue accent a bedroom. • The master bedroom has stainless steel chaise lounges overlooking the golf course, and a second conversation grouping focused on the Bauhaus chessboard and an oversized HDTV. THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Modern art and bright primary colors make this space appealing for the younger generation. • The complex roofline, with lofty cathedral ceilings on the additions on either side, reveals the sequential process of the home’s construction. The general contractor was Sullivan Construction of Naples. • A freestanding tub replaced the original sunken bath in the master bathroom.
Albert and Marlene were content with the house they bought in Quail Creek, the upscale country club community in the north of Naples, but then Marlene saw an older home in the same neighborhood, showed it to Albert, and the wheels started turning. She blamed him for the home continuing to grow larger, while they owned it for eight years before they could obtain permission from the community homeowners’ association to make their preferred additions. “We were downsizing, really, but then my husband kept adding on,” she says. “The house we had was a little over 4,400 square feet. This one was just 2,679.” Now their home has grown to 5,674 square feet under air, better than double its original footprint, having grown bigger than the home they were downsizing from by about the size of a nice starter home. First came a wing to the south, largely devoted to an expansive master suite. Overlooking hole No. 5 on the Arthur Hillsdesigned golf course, it has a vaulted ceiling and several seating areas, one with modern stainless-steel chaise lounges and another focused on the Bauhaus chess set and oversized HD television. The master wing also houses an oversized clothes closet for Marlene — “He calls it my store,” she says — and an exercise room with commercial-grade gym equipment. Returning to the original existing structure, you can tell the opening was an exterior wall by its thickness, with eight inches of CBS (concrete block-stucco) under the plaster. You can’t tell, until the owners point it out, that they filled in what used to be a sunken tub, as well as the original sunken living room. What was the original master bedroom is now Albert’s office/study, where he works surrounded by model racing cars, which are a passion of his. GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 61
| OPEN DOOR |
THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A gallery space is hung with black-and-white photo enlargements by Clyde Butcher, and one of the bright barn doors serves as an accent. • The standing seam metal roof is the exact shade of gray as the Bauhaus building in Dessau, Germany, an homage to Albert Socol’s inspirations. • Literally “Open Door” – Albert Socol and Marlene Weiss greet a visitor at their front door.
Marlene’s adjacent office illustrates the principle that “the shoemaker’s kids go barefoot.” Interior designer that she is, dedicated to creating finished, polished spaces for clients, her own space has numerous framed certificates, diplomas, artwork and photographs here and there, propped up on shelves waiting to be hung. She also has selection boards with interior accents from the couple’s latest project, a 30-story tower in downtown Orlando with a pool on the roof and sweeping views. The kitchen is part of the original house, and like all the original 1987 building, was stripped to the exterior walls and completely redone. The cabinetry has a high-gloss automotive finish, and the flooring is a black-andwhite granite that carries through much of the home’s public areas, and even up the walls of the master bath. The balance of the flooring is bamboo. In all, the Weiss House, as the couple dubs their home, projects a much more modern sensibility than the typical Quail Creek home, which tends toward a Mediterranean barrel tile 62 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
look. Albert and Marlene went with high-pitch standing seam metal roofs and a clean uncluttered look overall. The aluminum roof, Albert points out, is the same medium gray color as the Bauhaus building in Dessau, Germany. He describes the original home’s architecture as midcentury modern and says the addition followed some of the styling of the midcentury movement but added a much more updated architectural language. One notable feature is the use of barn doors, massive slabs of wood rolling on overhead tracks and painted in primary colors, which act to partition off spaces within. Another addition to the home was placed on the north side of the existing structure, adding a second master suite with a side bedroom and a 25-foot long art gallery, which features the black-and-white nature photography of celebrated Florida photographer Clyde Butcher. With great privacy and separation from the owners’ suite, this space seems ideal for visits from kids and their kids, and Albert has two sons, both attorneys.
| OPEN DOOR |
THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The custom cabinets in the kitchen are high-gloss automobile finish. • The eat-in kitchen opens up to the pool area and the championship Arthur Hills golf course behind. • Everything in the original home was stripped to the bare walls, including the living room which originally sported a sunken floor. • The free-form swimming pool is one of the few design features from the home’s previous iteration that remains unchanged, although the screened enclosure doubled in size.
Speaking of attorneys, the couple say their legal advisors have convinced them that, while they may be architects, they would be wise to cede some of the responsibility on their upcoming projects and not take on the roles of developer as well as architect and interior designer. “The lawyers told us, don’t ever be the architect and the developer again,” Albert says. “Let someone else do the drawings.” Drawings, along with paintings, photography and sculpture, all tending toward the modern, are scattered around the home and beyond — a whimsical Jorge Blanco cubist piece reclines on the lanai, with a small white bird reminiscent of the Twitter logo reclining in turn on his knee. The freeform swimming pool is one of the few design features from the home’s previous iteration that remains unchanged, although the screened enclosure doubled in size.
Additional museum quality artwork, along with the Clyde Butcher enlargements, comes from Le Corbusier, Max Papart, James Coignard, Yaacov Agam, Victor Vasarely and Baruj Salinas. Israel Guevara is a particular favorite, with pieces throughout. The living room features a “Calderesque” mobile, while the furniture runs to Knoll, Cassina and Herman Miller. Asking if the couple has any plans to retire from their professional endeavors draws two simultaneous responses. “No,” says Albert. “Yes,” says Marlene. “I was already supposed to be retired, and he’s got me on the biggest project ever,” says Marlene, who has also branched out into filmmaking and had a short film that began as a “personal project” about her brother’s cerebral palsy accepted by two international film festivals. “This next job is 26 months, and then I’m done.” GRANDEUR | APRIL 2020 | 63
| MAKE IT A DOUBLE |
STORY BY GINA BIRCH PHOTOS BY ANDREA MELENDEZ
DRINKS WITH A
VIEW Patrons enjoy beachfront cocktails at one of Fort Myers Beach’s most iconic establishments: The Cottage. hen it comes to beachfront cocktailing, The Cottage has been on top of the list for locals and tourists alike for decades. The Cottage on Fort Myers Beach is the upstairs, al fresco bar attached to the former Gulf Shore Grill; the restaurant was remodeled and rebranded as Shucker’s in 2016. Here you will find an array of tropical libations, buckets of beer and seltzers, served in three different settings, all with superb views of the water. The most rustic and arguably one of the most popular spots on Estero Island is the Cottage Beach Bar and Cabana. This narrow bar with low ceilings, underneath Shucker’s and in the sand, is come as you are, regardless of age or gender — no pretenses, no shoes, and never a dull moment. Sit at the bar or bury your toes in the sand at a table. A cabana has recently been added and can be reserved for private parties, complete with bottle service. CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Miami Vice is a popular frozen cocktail, half piña colada and half strawberry daiquiri. • Buckets of seltzers and beers are served at all three of Shucker’s bars. • Key Lime Martini is one of the more sophisticated cocktail offerings. • Offering one of the best views on Fort Myers beach, window seating at Shucker’s. • Local fish, including wild caught gulf shrimp, highlight the seafood offerings.
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| MAKE IT A DOUBLE |
Shoes are also optional upstairs at The Cottage where tables with bright blue umbrellas line the deck. The covered bar is a desirable dive with dollar bills dripping from the wooden rafters, between strands of Christmas lights. You’ll need to dust off and cover up a bit more to enjoy the bar inside Shucker’s. With sliders that open to the deck and open windows facing the water, it’s classier casual with an elevated vantage point offering one of the best views on the beach. The menu is the same in all three spots, where margaritas, mules and martinis are served in both plastic and glass. Shucker’s Key Lime Martini is a bit creamy, slightly sweet and a tad tart. Double down on your Key lime pleasure and enjoy it with a heaping slice of the namesake pie; it’s deep dish and the slices are towering. Rum-based drinks are hot here, and the Cottage Passion Punch is devilishly deceiving. Made from guava rum, passion fruit rum, mango rum, pineapple and cranberry juice, it’s not as sweet as you might imagine and, regardless of how it presents on the palate, is more potent (alcohol) than you might think.
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| MAKE IT A DOUBLE |
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The grouper sandwich is a signature item at Shucker’s. • The Cottage Passion Punch contains three tropical rums and fruit juice. • Dollar bills hang from the rafters inside the al fresco bar at The Cottage at Shucker’s. • Key lime pie is served deep dish style. • Casual but beach classy, the main bar at Shucker’s requires shirts and shoes.
Other popular cocktails are the Miami Vice (half piña colada, half strawberry daiquiri) and Pain in The Ass — bartenders say the name describes what it’s like for them to make it. It’s half rumrunner and half piña colada. Cottage Sauce is a thick frozen drink featuring Crown Royal Regal Apple, cranberry and mango puree. It’s one of bar manager Bria Womack’s favorites. She says, “It’s one of our tastiest drinks, and it’s unique, almost mimicking apple sauce in texture.” Along with the renaming of Shucker’s came an overhaul of the menu, which previously had 170 items on it. “We wanted to become more of a scratch kitchen and to do that we needed a smaller menu to offer better quality,” says co-owner Stacey Ferreira. Her father bought the property with his business partner in 1972. Shrimp is wild caught and local. The mango pineapple salsa is house-made, and the blue cheese dressing is Stacey’s mother’s recipe. One thing that hasn’t changed is the famous Beach Bread. Debuting in 1975, attempts have been made all over Southwest Florida to replicate it, and Stacey won’t give up the secret. Cuban bread is cut in half, topped with a mix of cheese, herbs and tomatoes, and then broiled. The kitchen is open late, and while there is outstanding live music every day, some of the best entertainment is people watching; this stretch of the beach is never at a loss for it. Whether in the mood for a simple local brew, a well-made frozen concoction or a more sophisticated martini, you’ll find it at one of Shucker’s bars, along with a great view, fun crowd and good time.
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| MAKE IT A DOUBLE |
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| GRAND TIMES |
MAGIC UNDER THE MANGROVES
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The 16th annual Magic Under the Mangroves gala raised $1.6 million for environmental advocacy and protection for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida with a record attendance of 510 supporters. Held March 5 at the Conservancy Nature Center, the theme “It’s on! Time to Make the Magic Happen” celebrated nature at night, featuring an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music and a seated dinner by award-winning, certified green caterer Windows Catering, along with a spirited live auction.
1. Randy Weston, Pam Demuth, Cynthia Weston and Harvey Horowitz 2. Rick Kash, Katrina Lundmark-Kash, Joyce Kerridge and Jim Kerridge 3. Elliott Singer, Retta Singer and Rodney Woods 4. Carol Dinardo and Nancy Seeley 5. Yulia Yugay, Heather Schulman, Meghan Houde, Mari Rubenstein, Nelly Shotwell and Danielle Glickson 6. Jeannie Smith, Rob Moher, Sue Dalton and Paul O’Neil 7. Rob Moher
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LIFELINE FAMILY CENTER BENEFIT DINNER A record crowd of 800 people attended the Annual Benefit Dinner for Lifeline Family Center featuring radio evangelist Dr. Tony Evans on March 12 at McGregor Baptist Church. The event raised more 1 2 than $212,000 to help support women in crisis pregnancies. 1. Dawn Carvotta and Camille Herdoiza 2. Kathy Miller and Dr. Tony Evans 3. Britney Whitman and Fred Atkins 68 | APRIL 2020 | grandeurmagazine.com
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STAR GALA
PHOTOS BY CHARLIE MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY
The STARability Foundation held its annual STAR Gala fundraising event on February 29 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples. Proceeds from this event benefit STARability’s programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.
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