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MARITAL/FA MILY
At the intersection of divorce and new beginnings Change is never easy when it comes to matters of the heart. If you are considering life changes in your relationship with significant others, let our experienced and compassionate attorneys guide you through the complex issues of divorce, prenuptial agreements, child custody, paternity, adoptions and domestic violence.
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Associate
CONTENTS DECEMBER 2018
16 GRAND FACES
James Wineinger nurtures Hope Clubhouse as it blossoms in the Southwest Florida community. Mabel Hughes rings in holiday cheer with the Salvation Army. Diana Riley helps women and children Swing with Purpose.
22 MODEL BEHAVIOR
What happens when one of the region’s top chefs and an expert luxury home builder combine forces? A sumptuous abode that will make you salivate.
16
31 COVER STORY
Last-minute holiday shopping is no problem when you’ve got our holiday gift guide. This bliss list has ideas for every special person in your life, from the caterer to the queen of your household.
22
50 GETAWAY
Walk among giants in the redwood forests of northern California, where these ancient trees tower over the world at more 350 feet.
57 MAKE IT A DOUBLE
Fuse Global Cuisine in Naples expertly combines a warm, welcoming atmosphere with exquisite craft cocktails.
14
50 IN THIS ISSUE
57
12 Editor’s Letter
41 Pets
63 Grand Ride
14 The Colors Page
48 Shopping
67 Open Door
26 Dining
60 Grand Case
72 Grand Times GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 7
Holiday S avings
ffor Everyone E yo e oon Y Your o Li Listt
CELEBRATING THE GOOD LIFE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Part of the USA TODAY Network | Volume 17, Number 3
Publisher
William R. Barker
Editor | General Manager Kathryn Robinson Kinsey kkinsey@grandeurmagazine.com Art Director Lindi Daywalt-Feazel ldaywalt@grandeurmagazine.com Associate Editor Pamela Hayford phayford@grandeurmagazine.com
C O M P A N Y
S T O R E
Contributing writers
Gina Birch, Stephanie Borden, Cathy Chestnut, Sara Coggin, Tricia O’Connor, Jennifer Thomas, Andrea Stetson
Contributing photographers Srijita Chattopadhyay, Alex Driehaus, Amanda Inscore, Logan Newell, Brian Tietz, Chris Tilley Vice President Advertising Sales, The News–Press
Nancy M. Solliday
Vice President Advertising Sales, Naples Daily News
Shawna Devlin
Dennis Wright drwright@grandeurmagazine.com
Production Director
Advertising Account Executive Nicole Holey nholey@grandeurmagazine.com Director Circulation Distribution Jim Keeble jkeeble@gannett.com GIFT CARDS MAKE THE PERFECT
Holiday Gift
MIROMAR O U T L ETS
OVER
Cheryl Cushman ccushman@gannett.com
Distribution Manager Brian Franz bfranz@gannett.com
ON THE COVER ®
140 TOP DESIGNER AND BRAND NAME OUTLET STORES AND AN ARRAY OF RESTAURANTS
Voted the Best Factory Outlet Mall, Best Shopping Experience and Best Place to Buy Shoes in Southwest Florida Play at our newest attractions: WINK Playland, Rock Climbing FunWalls, and Amazing Things 5-D Motion Theater. Party Packages available at MiromarOutlets.com/play.
UP TO 70% OFF RETAIL PRICES Visit MiromarOutlets.com for special holiday hours • I-75, Exit 123 (239) 948-3766 • *Subject to monthly maintenance fee. Terms and Conditions of the Card Agreement are set forth at MiromarOutlets.com. Copyright © 2018, Miromar Development Corporation. Miromar Outlets is a registered service mark of Miromar Development Corporation. 1218-2209
8 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
Circulation Support and Logistics Manager
Dazzle the one you love with a gift of jewelry. She will be holiday ready with this lovely 16.63 carat total weight diamond necklace from Dunkin’s Diamonds or an exquisite marquise shaped Forevermark 18kt gold and diamond ring from Diamond District. Finish off the look with a beautiful pair of 13 total carat weight diamond drop earrings from Kathein Jewelers of Marco. Prices upon request.
Grandeur is published 8 times a year. Complimentary copies are home delivered to The News-Press and Naples Daily News subscribers in select neighborhoods throughout Lee and Collier counties. Subscriptions to the magazine are $24.95, and single copies are available at The News-Press and Naples Daily News 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
Herald the
oliday GRAND GIFTS, TASTY TIDINGS AND FANCIFUL FUN!
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grand | ONLINE
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words... See our collection of unique and exclusive jewelry for the Holidays or that next Special Occasion. The selection will leave you speechless!
You can now explore the Grand life anywhere you go with our new mobile-friendly website. It’s the same URL — grandeurmagazine.com — but a whole new experience with free access to all we have to offer. From galas and fine dining to the amazing homes of Southwest Florida.
Tahitian Gardens 1993 Periwinkle Way Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 Telephone: 239.472.2876
Get social with Grandeur
Toll-free: 800.749.1987
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www.cedarchestsanibel.com 10 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
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In the November 2018 issue of Grandeur incorrect product details were published in the Grand Colors feature (pages 16-17). The correct information can be found on grandeurmagazine.com
grand | EDITOR’S LETTER
The gift of family A
Kathryn poses, on location at the Waterside Shops in Naples, wearing a Cady jumpsuit and baroque pearl necklace by LuluMargot, all provided by MaxMara.
PHOTO BY BRIAN TIETZ
s we enter this hectic holiday season, I’m pretty sure that I’m not alone when I say the holidays can stress me out. There are gifts to pick, packages to wrap, cards to mail, casseroles to cook, family gatherings to plan and so much more. But as tense as I can get over every one of these details, I can’t imagine it any other way. As one of five girls, my family was large, loud, fun and frustrating, and as we approach another holiday, and the family continues to grow, I think of my parents and how they always made this time of year special. Today, miles may separate me from some of my sisters, but I’m so thankful for the memories my mother and father provided and the bond we have to this day. Our childhood was also filled with plenty of presents. Each year the floor would be littered with ripped wrapping paper, and opened packages would fill the entire room. It was important to me to pass along this tradition to my children. I would painstakingly pick the equal number of gifts for each child so none would feel less important than the other. You never know if that one gift will make an impact. In this month’s holiday issue, we take the stress out of this annual giftgiving season by sharing a selection of ideas, some over-the-top and some just right, for everyone on your list — your foodie friend, adventure-seeking dad, sophisticated co-worker, difficultto-shop-for partner and many more. Page 31. As we close out 2018, I’m also very thankful to my talented magazine team: Lindi Daywalt-Feazel, whose creative art direction makes the words and photos come alive on the page and online; thankful for Dennis Wright, who expertly marries the content to the robust advertising we offer and whose calm demeanor gets us through plenty of hectic deadlines; thankful for Nicole Holey and others in the advertising department who work to meet the needs of so many; thankful for Pam Hayford, who along with her main role as Southwest Florida Parent and Child editor serves as associate editor helping to edit copy and write lastminute captions for Grandeur. This season, and always, I’m grateful to all those past, present and future traditions that carry me through my life, and I’m also grateful for the individuals who stand beside me each and every day. Whether it’s my beloved family and friends or my dedicated magazine staff, I sincerely hope you get what you want this holiday season. I already have. I wish you the happiest of holidays and a wonderful New Year, too.
12 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
KATHRYN ROBINSON KINSEY EDITOR & GENERAL MANAGER
Have you thought about what you will do if, someday, your heart needs help? We’d like to suggest that you (and your heart) turn to us. Our dedicated cardiac care team works for you. We can help you prevent heart disease. And, if you ever need the tools, techniques and talent to meet a complex situation head on, our doctors are right here. Every day. For you. Take our new heart risk assessment at HeartHealthPRHS.com to get heart health tips and information you can share with your physician. Or, we can introduce you to a member of this team.
YOUR HEARTBEAT. OUR HEART TEAM’S MISSION.
Left to Right: Leandro Perez-Segura, M.D.**, Richard Prewitt, M.D.*, Louis Wasserman, M.D.**, Vinh Luu, M.D.*, Ryan Houk, M.D.**, Sarah deLeon Mansson, D.O.*, Carlos Cuello, M.D.**, Daniel Masvidal, M.D.**, Mouhannad Dalao, M.D.**, Ahmet Gursoy, M.D.**, George Gamouras, M.D.**, Andrew Yin, M.D.**, Joseph Califano, M.D.**, Kenneth Plunkitt, M.D.**, Ronald L. Levine, M.D.** Not pictured: Ariel De La Rosa, M.D.**, Roland Werres, M.D.** *Members of the Medical Staff of Physicians Regional Healthcare System **Independent Members of the Medical Staff of Physicians Regional Healthcare System
grand | COLORS
Layers of fun • This lustrous, crystal-link
necklace features a vintage antique finish and layers of chains and clear cubic zirconia. Rhodium-plated with a lobster clasp closure. It will make any outfit sparkle. Throw on some shimmering earring studs to keep the focus on the dripping gems around your neck. Available at Jennifer’s in Fort Myers for $245 or at jennifersfortmyers.com
Shoe yourself • New
Year’s Eve is calling, and it wants you to wear this metallic mule. From Leith, the downtown-edgy label available exclusively at Nordstrom, comes the Kala mule with a can-this-really-be-true price point; it lists for $79.95 but we found it on sale for $47.96. The rocker-chic mule with mirror-shine finish features a manageable 4-inch heel, pointy toe and enough sass to party all night. Get your shine on at nordstrom.com.
Light me up
• Let your light shine with these beautiful outdoor lanterns. This tin punch lantern with rope handle adds some boho glamour to your lanai or lush garden landscape. Or use them as luminaries to line your driveway or walkways for a seasonal soiree. $95 each, available at R.S. Walsh In The Garden on Sanibel or at rswalsh.com.
Silver BELLS ‘ T is the season to be stunning. That’s
simply what silver is. This showstopper
is shiny, modern and stark when paired with high-tech goods like fast cars and
fine accessories. It’s also sexy, sparkling and
elegant when accompanying the world of highfashion and luxe jewels. So stand out from the crowd during the holidays. Be stunning in silver. —TRICIA O’CONNOR
Top this • When December (finally) brings its welcomed evening and early
morning chill to our sultry Southern weather, a lovely drape does the trick. And when that drape is made of gorgeous 100-percent cashmere like the Alashan cashmere topper ($122), you’ll find plenty of opportunities to slip it over your shoulders. This one-size beauty skims your waist before dipping elegantly below your hips. Paired with a camisole, slim pants and some slingbacks, you have yourself a perfect holiday brunch outfit. Available at Lux Boutique in Naples or shopluxboutique.com.
14 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
Finer poitns • The all-new 2019 Audi A6 is faster, smarter, cleaner and leaner. Its designers focused on the details and transformed the driving experience into one that melds artistry with engineering. Touch screens lean toward the driver, light indicators are choreographed into movement, edges are more angular, and the head-up display features built-in navigation. Starting at $58,900. Build your own at audiusa.com.
Mod(ern) possibilities
• From the midcentury modern design experts at 1977 comes the exquisitely interesting Define sectional. The design features a rectangular, flat module with a “crevice” along the edge, enabling you to connect back elements and cushions to the sofa. The back elements can be placed diagonally, across or in parallel on the sofa, providing endless possibilities. $3,198 at scandesign.com.
Grab bag
• The embellished box clutch in silver and hematite ($129 at white houseblackmarket.com) is so versatile you can mix and match it with a fit-and-flare ’50s silhouette holiday dress or a sexy wide-leg jumpsuit or slim cut jeans and a military-inspired blazer. Featuring hematitetone hardware, faceted stones and a removable chain strap, you can simply grab and go with this luxe-looking clutch, or sling it over one shoulder for a breezy getaway. The pull-lock closure ensures your cash, phone and lipstick will be safe for the night.
Song maker
• Bust out your favorite Christmas carols with this bedazzled karaoke mic, $50 at macys. com. Equipped with state-ofthe-art Bluetooth technology, you can stream any song from your phone, from “Silent Night” to “Auld Lang Syne.” A full set of on-board controls, including volume, playlist, microphone buttons and an echo enhancing feature for mixing, will make you a true rock star at your next karaoke party. The dazzling alloy shell coated with sparkling rhinestone ups the cool factor.
GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 15
grand | FACES
STORY BY CATHY CHESTNUT | PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE
NURTURING HOPE James Wineinger helps Hope Clubhouse grow into its role within the Southwest Florida community.
n his more than three years in Southwest Florida, James Wineinger has been a quick study of the social, philanthropic and cultural milieu. In many respects, he’s had to as the executive director of Hope Clubhouse, but he’s also managed to launch new, innovative programs and raise the profile of the nonprofit that provides a nurturing gathering place for 120 members with mental illness. James, 51, rolled up his sleeves two years ago to establish seasonal and permaculture gardens that feature canopy and herbaceous layers and ground cover with plantings such as avocado, mango, spinach, salad ingredients and sweet potatoes. The group collaborated on the edible gardens with the Southwest Florida Permaculture Guild — one collaboration of several that are beginning to blossom. Members of Hope Clubhouse are 18 or older and have primarily been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, major depression or schizophrenia, James says, adding that an estimate of 10.5 percent of the United States population lives with one of these “big three” illnesses. “There really is a strong sense of community within the Southwest Florida region. There’s a lot of interest in solving some of the severe problems that are associated with mental illness,” James says, adding there has been a growing awareness of “the lack of comprehensive treatment
16 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
programs here.” It was immediately apparent that the garden at Hope Clubhouse’s urban Fort Myers location on Broadway Avenue would provide therapy, knowledge, skills and food for the organization’s daily lunches. In a short time, it has taken on a larger dimension. As part of Hope Clubhouse’s transitional job placement program, Hope Clubhouse members can tout their horticultural skills, too. Earlier this year, James and his board worked to expand employment partnerships by launching Hope Works, LLC, to raise money for internships, such as a new horticulture internship at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. Members also collaborated with Valerie’s House to install a healing garden at the grief center, they worked with permaculture educator and consultant Alex Nikesch on installing and maintaining plots at Lexington Country Club, and they’ve established a strong relationship with ECHO in North Fort Myers. Gardening has “become a way to make a connection to our neighbors and larger community,” James says. Hope Clubhouse began as a daytime program in 2007 based on the socialization model established by Fountain House in New York in 1948. James worked at Fountain House for 15 years before moving to one in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for 10 years.
The idea that the strength of relationships that are formed provide the fabric of community, and that’s how we help each other, has always appealed to me. With mental illness, there are so many more variables people don’t have in place that make it really hard to be successful. — JAMES WINEINGER
“It’s starting to add up. I was 23 when I started,” says James, who holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in social work. “The idea that the strength of relationships that are formed provide the fabric of community, and that’s how we help each other, has always appealed to me. With mental illness, there are so many more variables people don’t have in place that make it really hard to be successful.” Since James’ arrival, the nonprofit’s annual mental health luncheon has tripled in attendance and grown to feature prominent community leaders. Hope Clubhouse is planning to soon expand its onsite footprint — both the building and garden. “We definitely need more space,” he says, to meet demands destined to grow with the population. To that end, James is also looking to expand the program to the campus of an existing healthcare facility, because it can be an hours-long trip from Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres or Bonita Springs for members reliant on public transportation. “We want to make our services more available to people who live farther out,” he says, “and that’s a huge undertaking.” It was only natural for James to introduce the garden here, as he did in Tulsa, where he became a Master Naturalist. After accepting the job here, his wife, Cindi, stayed behind in Tulsa, waiting eight months for their home to sell. So James quickly became a weekend horticulture volunteer at the Edison Estates to get to know the community and the lay of the land. “I got to know the staff and the plants that grow well here. That was pretty trusting of them, but they didn’t take my clippers away,” he jokes. James and Cindi, married for 28 years, have a small lanai garden, and they return to their native Wichita, Kansas, each year to visit family. They enjoy getting out into the region’s natural preserves. “I love being outdoors. If I had three choices at the Clubhouse, I’d sign up to work in the garden. It’s therapeutic to get away from the computer and screens and meditative on a lot of levels. You’re in touch with nature, and the benefits of getting your hands in the dirt have been documented,” he says. “And I like someone alongside me. Learning from each other — that’s where the strength of relationships are formed.” GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 17
Mabel Hughes
STORY BY GINA BIRCH | PHOTOS BY AMANDA INSCORE
RINGING
IN THE SEASON Mabel Hughes has been spreading cheer and faith with the Salvation Army for 40 years.
18 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
grand | FACES
he holidays are here with their familiar smells, sights and sounds, including the bell ringing and red kettles outside grocery stores and shopping centers. The Salvation Army kettles have been a notable presence during the holiday season since 1891, and for the last 40 years, Mabel Hughes has been manning one in Southwest Florida. She rings her bell, rain or shine, hoping to not only collect money to support the many local programs of the Salvation Army but also to connect with those who give and possibly offer them help along their life journey. “I love talking to the people. Sometimes I’ll
pray with them and give them guidance,” says the spirited 72-year-old. Mabel’s husband was active in the Salvation Army in Pennsylvania. When the couple moved to Southwest Florida in 1977, they connected with the local organization, finding a church home among other things. It was a move that has given Mable much in return over the years. When her husband passed away, she had two young children. “The Salvation Army helped me so much. I didn’t have a lot of money when Christmas came around,” she recalls. The organization paid her minimum wage to be a bell ringer in those early years, so she would have money during the holidays. After her situation improved, she volunteered to be a bell ringer to give back. “I feel more comfortable volunteering than when I got paid,” she says. “When you volunteer, you feel good. I’m hoping I am doing something good for people.” Does she ever get tired of hearing the sound of that bell? She laughs. “I found a nice new little bell this year. It’s lighter and it doesn’t have a sharp ring.” One year a shopper brought her a cowbell and dared her to ring it. She did. The volunteer has stories of her hands going numb from ringing, of her dropping the bell
and once using a rubber band to secure it around her wrist. She is not only known for her fun, loving spirit but also the colorful hats she wears when she mans the kettle. “I have a new one this year,” she says. Not only does Mabel love people but she’s also passionate about the Salvation Army and getting donations. “It stays in our community and helps shelter people. It helps with jobs,” she says. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without them when my husband died.” She continues, “Any donation is appreciated from me,” then cites the time a man showed up with a paint bucket full of change. She laughs at the memory of the two of them trying to get all those coins through the kettle slats, then being unable to lift the kettle at the end of the day because it was so heavy. This season Mabel has cut her hours a bit due to arthritis and needing to sit more often. However, she still plans to work in four-hour shifts three days a week outside of the Walmart in North Fort Myers. “As long as I can stand a little, I will keep ringing the bell, because I love it so much,” she says. The active senior attends church at the Salvation Army, participates in women’s groups and community outreach. She credits the organization with not only helping her during the trying times of becoming a widow but also as a grandmother. “One of my grandchildren was pregnant and ended up on life support in intensive care. They didn’t think she and the baby would both make it. I went to the Salvation Army for support and all kinds of prayer.” Mabel is certain that that army of pray warriors helped to save her granddaughter and the baby; both are doing fine today. “I really believe the world is so confusing now. I hope my little story reaches people,” Mabel says. “There are still miracles out there. You just have to have faith.”
“It stays in our community and helps shelter people. It helps with jobs. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them when my husband died.” — MABEL HUGHES GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 19
grand | FACES
STORY BY ANDREA STETSON | PHOTOS BY ALEX DRIEHAUS
SHE SWINGS WITH PURPOSE Diana Riley helps Southwest Florida women, girls and children through the nonprofit Swinging with Purpose.
W
hen Diana Riley heads to the golf course, she is doing more than hitting a little white indented ball. She is swinging with purpose. When Diana moved to Naples in 2012, she wanted to do much more than play golf, socialize and relax. She wanted to transform her love of golf into helping others. She founded Swinging with Purpose, a nonprofit dedicated to raising money to help organizations in this area that assist women, girls and children. “I have always been involved in the community and always around golf,” Diana says. “I have always had a passion about giving back to the community. When we made the transition to here, I couldn’t play golf every day. This way I get the best of both worlds.” Diana teamed up with golfer Nancy Lopez who acted as the spokeswoman for SWP. “I met Nancy Lopez and shared my vision of Swinging with Purpose and she said, ‘If there is anything I can do, let me know,’ and the rest is history.” Swinging with Purpose raises money through an annual golf tournament and a yearly Battle of the Sexes golf tournament. Some local country clubs help raise money, too. Since the group was founded in 2014, it has raised $575,000. Every year organizations apply for a grant. Every group selected is local and helps women, girls or children. Laces of Love, which gives shoes to local children in need, is one of the recipients. “Diana Riley has been like a big sister to me,” says Laces of Love co-founder and president Jeanne Nealon. “She has not only supported our charity, but she has helped me partner with other charities in the area, so Laces of Love can extend its arms out and help so many other groups. She has helped so much over the years, supporting us, coming to our events, motivating me, giving me guidance and her wisdom and experience. She is the real deal. She is really one special lady.” Our Mother’s Home of Southwest Florida has received funds from SWP for years. It has paid for vehicles, employee retention and more. Karen Watson, executive director of Our Mother’s Home, says the vehicle
20 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
purchase allows the girls living there to have transportation without having to be in a huge van. “It helps them feel less institutionalized than in a big group home van,” Karen says. “They want to feel like other kids. It helps the girls feel normal. She has helped us in many ways.” Donors to Swinging with Purpose receive a bracelet of black onyx beads with a tiny golf ball. Diana hopes that will become a known symbol of the organization. “My goal is creating this brand, which is Swinging with Purpose,” she explains. It’s a name that she knows fits her cause. “I always believed that purpose is important in who we are and what we are,” she says. “Purpose to me is very important. When I wanted to do this philanthropic approach, it just made sense to swing with purpose.” Diana comes from a history of giving. “My father was always involved in the community,” she says. “It was what
Diana Riley poses at Quail West Golf and Country Club in Naples.
I learned growing up. I do think that parents pave the way for a generous heart for their kids. I believe it is learned behavior. I attribute a lot to him. He was always giving.” She’s passed on that trait to her husband, Hollins Riley, and her children. “I am blessed that I have a husband who is OK that he has a wife that is giving up her time and our dollars for Swinging with Purpose,” she says. “We just believe that as a family if you are blessed you should want to share those blessings.” Sharing those blessing didn’t begin when she moved to Southwest Florida. It was something she has done all her life. Diana grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, and she received a business degree from the University of Maryland. She owned a travel agency and later a reinsurance consulting business. Diana was also dedicated to giving back to that community. She volunteered with The First Tee, a group that helps introduce poor inner-city children to golf. The children learned the game and got to travel to competitions as long as they met certain academic criteria in school. “This particular facility provided stability for them,” Diana explains. “For so many of these kids, it was their safe haven. They were fed, safe, exposed to the game. Its message is ‘Golf is the carrot, education is the key.’” Diana says the experience was incredibly rewarding. “I love young people, so working with young people is always inspiring for me,” she says. “A lot of them never left the city, and we had golf tournaments and golf venues where they would compete with kids in the Bahamas. Many of these kids had never been on an airplane, never seen the ocean. So for many it was life changing.” She was also part of a program to mentor young entrepreneurs. “We were geared to teaching them to make a difference in their community and make some money,” she says. Diana stresses that SWP isn’t just a one-person group. “The Swinging with Purpose is the result of my board of directors, and I have an amazing village of people on my board that are so committed to the purpose of Swinging with Purpose,” she says. “It happens because of this village of support I have behind me, both my family and the board, and we all make this happen.” As an avid golfer for more than 25 years, Diana says she loves a life where she can play the game and help others at the same time. “To be able to do what I love to do in a fundraising perspective is a win-win,” Diana says. “It doesn’t get any better than that.” GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 21
grand | MODEL BEHAVIOR
BUILT FOR A CHEF STORY BY ANDREA STETSON | PHOTOS BY AMANDA INSCORE
PGI Homes teams up with chef Shannon Yates, of Nevermind Awesome Bar and The Hop, to build the perfect kitchen.
This kitchen was designed by a professional chef. Just behind the island is a Thermador professional gas range with six burners, grill and double ovens.
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hen a chef and a builder combine forces, that mixture creates a unique, luxurious treat for a kitchen. Chef Shannon Yates, of Nevermind Awesome Bar and The Hop in Cape Coral, and Anthony Farhat, owner of PGI Homes, decided to work together to create a new model home in Cape Coral with a kitchen built for a chef. The coolest part is a kitchen hidden within a kitchen. Tucked behind what looks like six cabinet doors is a hidden kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, sink, dishwasher, pantry and lots of cabinets and shelving. “The theory behind that hidden kitchen is when you have a bunch of people over, they all gather around the kitchen island, so instead of the host of the party worried about cleaning up constantly, they can keep that mess contained to that hidden kitchen and still have a beautiful space to entertain,” Anthony explains. “This is the first time we have tried that. We have done hidden pantries, and people love them, and it is the same application, so this time we decided to go ahead and give it a shot and put a whole kitchen in there.” The main kitchen also has all the top chef upgrades. There is a Thermador professional gas range with six burners, grill and double ovens. The large refrigerator and freezer is hidden behind cabinet doors. Anthony and Shannon have been friends for about 15 years, so when Anthony wanted to create a home with the best kitchen he could imagine, he turned to his chef buddy. “The last couple of years, I have seen clients making higher and higher end investments in their kitchen appliances,” Anthony explains. “That prompted me to throw out to Shannon that perhaps it would be a nice combo for he and I to design a kitchen together, to have a chef ’s kitchen built around entertaining. He contributed to how a chef would want to work that space. He designed it with how he would like it set up, and of course, he picked the fancy Thermador.”
THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The chef designed kitchen has lots of counter space including on this long center island. • For many years gold was not a color used as a palette in homes, but now that color is coming back. The interior designer put gold touches in most rooms from picture frames to artwork and furniture. • This PGI home in Cape Coral was built for entertaining. It has four bedrooms and three full bathrooms and three garages. • Lots of windows and sliders offer views of the pool and river. From the master bedroom it looks like the pool is flowing right into the river. The home has a nautical theme so shiplap is used on many walls. • The dining area leads to the pool and lanai. When the sliding glass doors are open it seamlessly flows from indoors to outdoors. GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 23
grand | MODEL BEHAVIOR
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The family room, like most of the rooms, features a palette of blues and golds. Sliding glass doors lead to the pool and offer views of the river. • The spacious lanai features an infinity edge pool, spa and two fountains. There is a summer kitchen, along with an outdoor living room and dining area. • The home has a coastal look, but some darker features were added to give it warmth.
Shannon says he felt honored when asked to help design a kitchen. “He let me kind of help with the layout and pick the equipment for the kitchen,” Shannon says. “That was really cool. I was really taken back.” Shannon says he wanted the kitchen to be top-of-theline. “If a person is paying $2 million for a house, you might as well pay a little extra for the kitchen,” he says. “I think my dream kitchen is I want a nice big open kitchen with gas stove and island.” He especially wanted the butler’s kitchen. “The whole idea when you are entertaining people is you want to keep a lot behind closed doors, but on the front line, you have your really nice gas ranges and really nice eye candy. If you want to build a cool little kitchen, you go to the guy who is living in one.” The kitchen is just one part of the top-end Cape Coral model. Anthony created a coastal look throughout the home, adding in some creative features. On both sides of the entry hall is a niche in the floor with white stones. That same niche and stone design is found by a wall in the family room and under the vanity in the master bathroom and a guest bathroom. White stones are also in a cutout around the stand-alone tub in the master bathroom. “It was something that I saw at a commercial design studio in Sarasota a year or two ago, and I was dying to try it,” Anthony says. “I saw it, and I fell in love with it. I thought it was so neat. We integrated these concrete recesses. We just kind of felt like it gave a more coastallike vibe, bringing the outside in.” Besides the coastal look, Anthony says the stones 24 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
have another benefit. “The ones in the bathroom, we added ground lighting, so they glow,” he says. “It recessed the bathtub 4 inches into the concrete foundation, so the other benefit is a lowered tub.” He added shiplap walls behind the flat-screen television and in the ceiling inset in the family room. The adjacent bar area also has a shiplap wall. One of the guest rooms has a shiplap ceiling; the master bedroom has a shiplap wall. “Shiplap ties it back to that whole ship theme to give it that nautical feel,” Anthony says. “The whole climate of that house is to make you feel like you are on a yacht.” He also played with reoccurring texture using white stone in the entry way, along a wall near the television in the family room and in a hallway. Anthony and his wife, Tia Farhat, design director at PGI Homes, took a new direction when it came to the interior decor. The entire home is decorated in whites, blues and gold. “Gold is coming back, and there is a lot of gold in this house,” says Ted Stout, of Realmark Realty. “Last year you wouldn’t see any gold, and this year you do.” “Gold is back,” Anthony adds. “We love the natural colors with pops of navy blue and gold, and it has that real pretty feel.” The gold color is used in little touches, such as the leaf palm prints in the master bedroom and the gold trim on the bed in a guest room. One hallway features abstract art in swirls of blue, gold and white. Another hall has a golden shadow box with coral abstract art. The spacious master bedroom has a king-size bed in white and blue with a blue plush headboard that
matches a nearby chair. Three pocket sliders make up the entire wall overlooking the water. From the bedroom, it looks like the pool flows right into the river. In the guest rooms, grass cloth, a textile that’s similar to wallpaper, covers the wall behind the beds. The nautical theme continues there with prints of gold sea fans on the wall in one guest room and shell sculptures in another. The guest rooms share a Jack and Jill bathroom. “The Jack and Jill works for that particular house,” Anthony says. “We are seeing less and less of the folks wanting the McMansions. They want the high end, but they don’t need a bunch of square footage they don’t use.” The nearby den has a closet, so it could become a fourth bedroom. Even the laundry room shares the coastal theme with pictures of egrets on the wall, a circular rope mirror and a sailboat made of rope on the counter. White oak floors continue throughout the home. “It’s a nautical house,” Ted says. The home also features a large lanai with an infinity edge pool, spa and two fountains. There is a summer kitchen, seating and dining area, too. The home spans 2,900 square feet under air and a total of 4,000 square feet. It has four bedrooms, three full bathrooms and three garages. The furnished home was listed at $1.69 million. Anthony plans to build another luxury home on the same street. “We won’t build the same house, because we don’t build any two alike,” he says. “Our next one will be around that same size. That 3,000 square feet seems to be our sweet spot.”
grand | DINING
Juicy braised short ribs are one of the new items on Chops updated seasonal menu.
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SERIOUS
ABOUT
STEAK
A ND H AV I N G FUN D OING IT AT CHOP S CITY G R ILL
T
here is controlled room. During something that time the fibers of the special meat break down and the fat about a good separates, changing in texture steakhouse, and flavor. the way it “We use corn-fed beef feels, the instead of grass-fed, and way it smells we treat it with TLC,” says and the kind of service you Executive Chef Francis receive. Chops City Grill in Pischner. “We put a salt mix Bonita Springs is one of those on it, a little oil and char broil places. Its sister steakhouse in it at 1,600 degrees to sear in Naples maintains an equally the flavor. That’s it; keep it impressive reputation. simple.” “One of the things that The results are separates us,” says Bar remarkable, and you can see Manager Mike Corey, “is that it on the faces of diners the a lot of people eat out in this minute they take that first area. Here, people dine. They bite. start with a martini, they order “We make everything appetizers and salads, have from scratch and in the wine with their dinner and classic ways,” says the chef, A popular entree, peppercorn encrusted sirloin is served beside heirloom tomatoes, mixed greens, and artisanal cheeses. take their time.” who is classically trained in Chopsticks play a leading French cooking techniques. role in the restaurant’s logo, a The veal stock, for hint to the pan-Asian influence found in many dishes, clam chowder and wild salmon. example, takes two days to make. including the signature Tuna Chop from the raw bar But the thing that truly sets Chops apart is the dryThe new seasonal menu is out and includes a menu. Mike compares it to a Hawaiian ceviche. Sushi aged beef, says General Manager James “JC” Corbett. hearty braised short rib. The 18-ounce piece of meat grade tuna, jumbo lump red crab and avocado are tossed “Not as many steakhouses dry age like we do. It’s very is slow-cooked for three hours and glazed three times tableside in yuzu and soy. Not only visually pleasing, the labor intensive and expensive, but it’s more flavorful throughout the cooking process with sweet chili smells that waft across your table are divine. and tender, with a nutty edge.” barbecue sauce; the savory meat falls right off the bone. For a steakhouse, the menu has a wide selection of Eight cuts of meat — including rib-eye, strip and Served over a creamy mash of potatoes and parsnips, the seafood, from a chunky crab and lobster cake to creamy prime rib — are dry aged 14 to 21 days in a humiditydish is rich, flavorful and filling.
STORY BY GINA BIRCH
GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 27
grand | DINING
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: One of the premier dining spots in Bonita Springs, Chops is open 7 days a week. • Black grouper is also back for the season and the portions are substantial. • Chops version of the Moscow Mule comes in a Mason Jar, the Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini lingers in the background. • The Roasted Candy Cane Beets are drizzled with 10 year old balsamic and oil infused with Indian River oranges • The Pomegranate Martini makes for a perfect holiday cocktail,
For seafood lovers, black grouper has returned for season. The pan-seared fish is portioned along a substantial oval serving dish, topped with screaming hot rock shrimp, and asparagus. Underneath is a rich beurre blanc sauce with tomatoes and artichokes and decadent mounds of risotto. This dish has it all: mild spice, creamy and meaty textures, and balanced flavors. Red wine is perhaps the most popular beverage to pair with the delectable steaks served here, and the menu is jam-packed with thoughtful selections that cover a wide variety of regions, producers and price points. The bar is almost always full of loyal locals who are kept well hydrated by Mike Corey, an expert at preparing the many “Choptails” on the list, including Devoted. Chop’s version of a Moscow mule, Devotion blackberry and blueberry vodka and ginger beer make up the bulk of the drink. What makes it unique is the muddled cucumber, mint, citrus and berries. The mint and cucumber add a refreshing 28 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
touch, and the ginger a nice kick. Garnished with candied ginger and lime, it’s perfect for the holiday season. So is the pomegranate martini. A combo of pomegranate vodka, pomegranate liqueur and cranberry, it’s on the sweeter side but served with a skewer of limes if you want to tart it up. The Blueberry Lemon Drop martini is not only beautifully presented but is a delicious way to start your meal. With citrus vodka, a touch orange liqueur and a splash of citrus juice, a shot of blueberry liqueur sinks to the bottom of the glass and creates layers of colors. I often drive by Chops, and every time I sit at the bar, a cozy table inside or a romantic seat outside, I wonder why I don’t stop more often. It’s a restaurant with impeccable service, warm ambience, diverse menu and expertly prepared food. —Chops City Grill is located at 200 Health Center Blvd, Bonita Springs and 6660 837 5th Ave S, Naples. For more information visit chopscitygrill.com.
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Bliss List Are you in the midst of decking the halls and the hearts of the true gifts in your life—family, friends and special people who make each day special in some way? If you are still pondering that just-right surprise on your holiday shopping list, we have some suggestions for that special someone, from over-the-top to sweetly simple. It’s never too late to turn a holiday wish list into a “bliss list.” — CATHY CHESTNUT
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Timely
• Louis Vuitton’s Tambour Moon marks the spirits with its inverted-curve case and interchangeable bracelet system. This new expression of the Tambour comes with a blue dial, a tint both elegant and sporty, designed for women and men. Price upon request. Available at Louis Vuitton in the Waterside Shops in Naples. (louisvuitton.com)
Truffles
• Looking for the perfect present for the foodie in your life? Then gift white Alba truffles ($43 and up) while they last. These truffles, indigenous to Piedmont, Italy, are extremely rare and only available for a couple of months out of the year. Available at Angelina’s Ristorante in Bonita Springs. (angelinasofbonitasprings.com)
Explore • Pedal as much or as little
as you like on an electric Pedego bike, which offers up to 10 speeds with pedal assist and throttle power. You can cover a lot more ground with a lot more ease on a Pedego, in the busy city or on long jaunts, such as Sanibel Island’s popular pathways. Pedego offers 18 styles with lightweight, advanced lithium-ion batteries that can take you up to 60 miles on a dime’s worth of electricity. Pedego shops in Fort Myers and Naples offer free trials and rentals, sales, tours and maintenance. The most popular is the Interceptor cruiser (starting at $3,295). Each model comes in a range of colors for the body and tires; the tandem (starting at $3,295) is offered in red or black. (pedegoelectricbikes.com)
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grand | COVER STORY
Bejeweled • Make her 2019 merry and bright
with a special piece of jewelry that is sure to light up every occasion. Clockwise from top left: An 18-karat white gold necklace fit for a princess laced with 48 carats of diamonds, from Kathein Jewelers on Marco Island; marquise-shaped Forevermark ring with a .29-carat diamond center surrounded with 1.07-carat weight diamonds, from the Diamond District; and an 18-karat white gold necklace with 16.63-carat total weight diamonds from Dunkin’s Diamonds.
Track • Find the important things in your life
— your handbag, sports equipment, keys, luggage or laptop — with the Pro Tile. With a replaceable battery that lasts for a year and a 300-foot range, tap the Tile app on your smartphone to locate your lost item. Industrially designed for endurance, the Pro Tile ($35 and up) comes in black or white. Available at most major retailers. (thetileapp.com)
Glide • The 2019 Boston
Glare-free
• If you’re heading out for a day on the boat or yacht, a good pair of sunglasses with glare-reducing lenses would surely be appreciated. Ray-Ban Original 58mm Aviator sunglasses ($203) with polarized lenses are classics that will never go out of style while protecting those precious eyes. Available at Nordstrom in the Waterside Shops in Naples. (nordstrom.com)
Whaler 420 Outrage ($1.09 million) is downright perfect for dad, and for the whole family for cruising close to home or offshore. The expansive bow seats six comfortably, with more room in the convertible helm and cockpit areas, as well as a spacious cabin with V-berth that gives 7 feet of headroom. The gracious, well-equipped cabin has an enclosed head for pleasure cruising and onboard entertaining. The Quad Mercury Verado 350s with joystick piloting provides power and precision. Available at MarineMax at Deep Lagoon on McGregor Boulevard in south Fort Myers. (marinemax.com)
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Uncorked
Pump it
• INC International Concepts’ Kenjay d’Orsay pumps ($99.50) add luxe to your evening look with a sultry silhouette, studded with imitation pearls and rhinestones. Created especially for Macy’s. Edison Mall in Fort Myers, Coastland Center in Naples. (macys.com)
Getaway
• No corkscrew required with the Coravin Model Two Wine System ($299.99). This handy gadget allows the oenophile on your list to pour their favorite wine without removing the cork. Simply insert the needle through a natural cork to pressurize the bottle and pour. The cork will naturally reseal. Available at Bed Bath and Beyond in Fort Myers and Naples. (bedbathandbeyond. com)
• Escape for a blend of historic charm and modern luxury at the century-old Casa Monica Resort & Spa in St. Augustine. You will be surrounded with original artwork, Moorish architecture, Moroccan frescos, ornate chandeliers and exquisite tapestries in one of the oldest hotels in the United States, listed as a member of the Historic Hotels of America national trust. Elegantly appointed accommodations feature luxury bedding, Wi-Fi, modern, updated bathrooms, and views of downtown St. Augustine. Rates vary, about $383 per night for a guest room with king bed. kesslercollection.com/casa-monica
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grand | COVER STORY
Villainous • For kids’
gatherings or the family, Disney’s Villainous ($39.99) is trending — an epic contest of sinister power that lets players take on the role of a Disney villain and strive to achieve devious objectives. Discover your character’s unique abilities and winning strategy while dealing twists of fate to find out who will triumph over the forces of good. Available at Barnes & Noble in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Naples. (barnesandnoble.com)
Glow
• For any princess on your list — mother, aunt, girlfriend or daughter heading off to college — the Clarisonic Mia Smart 3-in-1 connected sonic beauty device ($199) is a personal pampering gadget that cleanses pores, removes stubborn makeup, massages facial muscles, blends makeup, and firms up fine lines and bags around the eyes. Establishing a preferred routine is a snap with the timer “smart mode” and customization app. Available at Sephora in two locations: Coconut Point in Estero and JCPenney at Coastland Center in Naples. (sephora.com)
Relax
• Covered in top-grain, hand-finished aniline leather, the Sedgwick recliner ($1,299$1,399) has a so-soft surface that comes in a selection of 12 colors. Its simple silhouette is inspired by classic French club chairs, while the slim arms and push-back reclining mechanism let you sit in modern comfort. Available at West Elm in Coconut Point in Estero. (westelm.com)
Sizzle
• Head outside with family and friends to cook a feast on the Evo Affinity 30G cooktop. The 30-inch circular steel cooktop has two distinct temperature zones heated by inner and outer gas burners. Home chefs can grill traditionally or use the cooktop to sear, sauté, stir-fry, steam or poach. The Evo Affinity ($3,995) is available in propone or natural gas. Available at Design Studio by Raymond in Naples. (designstudiobyraymond.com)
Sweet
• If you appreciate how someone plays a pivotal role in caring for your family, send them along with a package of handcrafted Zotter Chocolates to share with their own families. The Austrian-based chocolatier produces chocolate from bean to bar using nothing but organic and fair-trade ingredients, and it consistently ranks among the best in the world. In 2015, it opened its first and only U.S. shop and subsidiary in Cape Coral, so Southwest Florida residents have the luxury of browsing balleros, hand-scooped chocolates, nougat, honey crisp and marzipan chocolate bars and other delectable indulgences, including labooko (pure chocolate). Personalized and holiday gifts and packages are available in a range of prices. Available at Zotter Chocolates on Northeast Pine Island Road in Cape Coral. (239-214-7883 or zotterusa.com)
GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 35
Bomber • She’ll look cool
when the temperatures drop in this Tommy Hilfilger moto jacket, featuring faux-shearling at the collar, cuffs, hem and lining. Created especially for Macy’s. Edison Mall in Fort Myers, Coastland Center in Naples. (macys.com)
Celebrate
• Brighten your space with the powerful colors of Russian artist Oleg Kalaytanov, trained at the prestigious Samokish Art School in Crimea. “Celebration” (27-by-35) is an explosion of bold acrylic brushwork on canvas (inquire for price). Available at East West Fine Art in Naples. (eastwestfineart. com)
Silky
• Protect your hair’s natural shine from extreme heat damage with the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer ($399.99), engineered for fast drying and controlled styling. This state-of-the-art dryer measures air temperature 20 times per second to regulate the heat and includes five accessories, including a styling concentrator and diffuser. (dyson.com)
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Cocktails
• For the high-flying traveler in your life, consider the carry-on Frequent Flyer Cocktail Kit ($100), featuring five flavor- enhancers for popular drinks, including Old Fashioned, Moscow Mule and Bloody Mary, a bar spoon and coaster. Available through the W&P Design online as WandPDesign.com
grand | COVER STORY
Assistant
• Make video calls, stream music and books in stereo sound, see song lyrics and album art, monitor your front-door camera…The question is: What can’t you do with the new, second-generation Echo Show ($339.98). The Echo Show features eight premium speakers with Dolby processing and a vibrant 10.1-inch, high-definition screen. Available through Amazon.com
Inhale
Dish • Gather with 8 to 36 of your closest family
members or friends for a custom culinary experience — a demonstration-only or hands-on private lunch or dinner featuring the organic, locally grown and harvested ingredients based on your dietary needs and tastes at Purple Spoon, available Thursday through Saturday on open days. Price varies based on entrée, courses and other details. Available at the Purple Spoon in Bonita Springs. (purplespoonfl.com)
• For any room in the home or office, the contemporary lines of a hand-crafted, beveled Antica Farmacista lead crystal diffuser reflects and scatters light with modern elegance. Whether filled with your favorite Antica home ambiance fragrance or seasonal flowers, its sculpted silhouette is a distinguished accent. Presented in a satinlined, two-piece box, ideal for gift giving, the set includes the diffuser, reeds and a bottle of Antica fragrance ($238). Available at Jennifer’s on McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers. (jennifersfortmyers.com)
Soar • Ferrari’s 488 Pista Spider combines the finest race-
developed technological solutions with the joy of en plein air driving to deliver an exhilarating experience behind the wheel. The 50th open-top model produced by the Prancing Horse, this sleek ride is the highest-ever performing Spider with a record power-to-weight ratio of 1.92 kg/hp. Available at authorized Ferrari dealerships. (auto.ferrari.com/en_us)
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grand | COVER STORY
Cheers! • Your four-legged
companion deserves to ring in the New Year with a special goodie. Dög Pawrignon, Champagne for dogs ($14.95), is a paw-pleasing beverage made with filtered water, wild-caught Alaskan salmon oil and a drop of organic food coloring. Offered through Pet Winery in Fort Myers and available at various pet boutiques in Southwest Florida. (petwinery.com)
Repose
• Create a peaceful space in the shade with this oversized, templestyle teak chair ($2,500) hand-crafted in Bali. With its intricate woven design, this chair is an ideal addition to a meditation garden, back porch or any outdoor space. Available at R.S. Walsh in The Garden on Sanibel Island. (RSWalsh.com)
Culture
Spin • Play crisp, clean sounds your way with the Victrola
Empire 6-in-1 Bluetooth record player with 3-speed turntable ($149.99). Select audio from FM radio, wired/wireless devices, CDs, cassettes and vinyl. This handsome, old-school conversation piece features an analog dial with gold accents. Available at Bed Bath and Beyond in Fort Myers and Naples. (bedbathandbeyond.com) 38 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
• Make “date night” with your special someone a regular routine with a season subscription for theatrical or musical performances at your favorite venue or pre-purchase tickets for performances you know you both will remember for years to come. The Florida Repertory Theatre, Theatre Lab of Florida, Artis—Naples, Theatre Conspiracy, Broadway Palm dinner theater, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Gulfshore Playhouse or Gulfshore Opera, Opera Naples, Southwest Florida Symphony or Gulf Coast Symphony — there are plenty of options to fit your interest and budget.
Dare to Dream this Holiday Season! Come in today and browse our exquisite diamond collections… Timeless. Distinctive. Beautiful. Enjoy an extensive selection of 14K & 18K Gold, Platinum, and Sterling Silver jewelry Pre-owned timepieces such as Rolex, Breitling & Cartier
Where you’ll find something for everyone on your holiday list!
Shops of Marco • 133 South Barfield Dr • Marco Island 239.259.8937 • www.katheinjewelers.com Full-Service Jeweler | GIA Graduate Gemologist | Repairs & Restorations | Custom Designs Fine Watch Service & Repair | Pre-Owned Fine Watches | Licensed Appraisals * Kathein Jewelers is not affiliated with Rolex U.S.A., Breitling U.S.A., and/or Cartier U.S.A. *
GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 39
Get. Give. Enjoy!
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grand | PETS
GOD OF THE
SEA
From Great Britain to the West Indies, the water-loving Neptune settles in beautifully with his Cape Coral family.
Neptune and Meredith Hoffman
N
eptune is the perfect name for a fish-catching, swimming, diving dog. It was the name the red fox-colored Labrador retriever came with when he arrived from Great Britain, and his new owners knew it was too impeccable to change. As Neptune grew up on the West Indies island of Nevis, he became like the god of the sea and the swimming pool, too. Meredith and Tim Hoffman and their three children, who now live in Cape Coral, lived on Nevis when the pup joined their family. They say it was easier to get their new puppy from England than from the United States. “It is a lot easier to bring in dogs, because England is a rabies-free country, and Nevis is a rabies-free country,� Meredith explains. When he was 8 weeks old, Neptune was put in a dog crate and flown across the Atlantic to the West Indies. It is where Neptune grew up swimming, diving for fish and enjoying life in a hotel. STORY BY ANDREA STETSON PHOTOS BY SRIJITA CHATTOPADHYAY GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 41
grand | PETS “It is the name he came with,” Meredith says. “We thought, ‘Oh, we can change it,’ but we really like it, and we like the water and he likes the water.” The Hoffmans owned a hotel on the island, and Neptune was a fixture there. “He would go to the hotel and, oops, accidently jump in the pool, which he was not allowed to do,” Meredith says. “It was confusing for a puppy; you could go in this water, but not in this water, so he would accidently go into that pool. Fortunately, our guests loved it.” In the laid-back island atmosphere, Neptune learned to warm the hearts of hotel guests. “Just like all dogs, he would wander around, hope that somebody would drop a scrap of bacon,” Meredith says. “Some of the guests would take him for walks. It was almost like rent-a-dog.” “People would say, ‘I miss my dog so much, can I take your dog for a while,’” Tim adds. Neptune also found other places to adhere to his love of swimming. “In Nevis, he would walk to the botanical gardens and go swimming in the pond,” Meredith says. “Neptune was a fitting name. We are pleased that we kept it.” In 2014 the Hoffmans moved to Cape Coral to provide a better education for their children. Neptune
continued to go to work with the family. This time at Fathoms Restaurant & Bar at Cape Harbour. There’s no swimming at work now. Instead Neptune lies in a dog bed in the upstairs office or lounges under the table or on the floor. Wherever his owners are in the office, that’s where you will find Neptune. But when work is done, he is back to being a water dog. He loves going on the boat with the family, swimming in the pool at home and going to the beach. “He is the only dog we have ever had that will dive underwater,” Tim says. “He can catch fish in the water. When I am fishing, he will take fish out of a bucket and eat them. When you are casting for fish and you have a bucket of bait, he is sticking his face in the bait bucket getting the fish.” Neptune also dives to the bottom of the swimming pool to pick up sticks and other items. “He is always in the water looking for stuff,” Tim says. “He is more interested in what is in the water than people on the shore,” Meredith adds. “I have seen him catch a fish. He eats it.” “We usually take him on the boat, and he loves it,” Meredith says. “He absolutely hates it when we leave him. We left him yesterday to go to South Seas, and you should have seen his face when he saw he was not coming with us.”
The quirky lab also enjoys playing fetch and running around with the Hoffmans’ 14-year-old son and twin 12-year-old daughters. Neptune is 5 years old now, and a calmer fish-eating, swim-loving dog. He’s also learned to worm his way into living the cushy life. Tim says they don’t allow dogs on the sofa or beds, but Neptune made his own rules. “He sleeps with the kids,” Tim says. “Most of the time on the bed, on a pillow, under the covers, and he has three quarters of the bed.” Neptune is such a loved pet that the Hoffmans commissioned his portrait painted by Gretchen Kish Serrrano. It now hangs in the family den. “You buy art because it means something to you and it evokes emotions,” Tim says. “We had a big anniversary, and we thought we love the dog, we love Gretchen and her style, so it seemed to be a logical thing.” In the drip-style painting, Neptune is wearing a collar with the British flag design. It’s a collar he usually wears to show off his roots. “It is kind of different that he is from England,” Meredith says. Yet the dog that was named after the god of the sea is much more at home in the water, and the workplace and home of the Hoffmans, than his native England.
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42 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
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Talis Park’s iconic obelisk and great lawn. Photo by Caronchi Photography
GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 43
Award-winning models on display at Talis Park Talis Park offers an expanded collection of new resort-style coach homes, terrace homes and penthouse homes in its Corsica and Viansa neighborhoods. These thoughtfully-designed residences offer a low-maintenance lifestyle with fairway, water, and nature preserve views just moments from Talis Park’s award-winning Vyne House clubhouse. FrontDoor Communities’ Coach Homes at Corsica recently received a Grand Aurora Award for Best Multifamily Housing during the 39th Annual SEBC Aurora Awards, a program affiliated with the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) and the Southeast Building Conference (SEBC), one of two regional trade shows recognized by and affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The recently-completed Messina II coach home model is now open for viewing in Corsica. Located at 16158 Corsica Way #101, the 2,532-square-foot under air first-floor coach home model features interior design by Allied ASID interior designers Jean
44 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
Losier and Christina Rosolia of Clive Daniel Home. The Messina II model has an air of luxurious comfort throughout its three-bedroom, three-bath design. Soft tones of beige and white provide a neutral backdrop while rich pops of jeweled blue greens offer a depth of color. With a splash of sparkling champagne finishes and warm grays, there is a polished feeling that is felt throughout the spaces. This color palette invites the lush landscape and lake views from outside to blend seamlessly with the home. The air of luxury can be felt with dramatic wood detailing of the master bathroom vanity and the great room entertainment built-in. This is all anchored by warm gray wood flooring that helps balance the rich finishes and textures found throughout the home. WCI/Lennar offers two new furnished models in the Viansa neighborhood. The new Viansa Terrace Model is sumptuously furnished by the awardwinning Naples design firm, Cinnabar Design. The Terrace home features a formal foyer leading into an open kitchen and great room, with glass sliders that
seamlessly blend the indoor space with the gracious lanai for an emphasis on alfresco living. The home is complete with three full bedrooms, three full baths, a powder room and a den. Terrace Homes at Viansa are priced from the high-$600s. The second model is the new Penthouse home at Viansa. Naples’ own Beasley & Henley have stylishly designed the model with transitional furnishings, rustic touches, and light, fresh tones of cream, grey and aqua accents. The Viansa penthouse-style homes feature private elevators, breezy living areas, and ample space for entertaining indoors and out. Penthouse Homes at Viansa are priced from the low-$900s. Prospective homebuyers may experience Talis Park by participating in the community’s Gold Pass program. For details, call 239-292-0846. Community tours are available seven days a week by visiting Talis Park’s Garden House Information & Sales Center, 16980 Livingston Rd. (just north of Immokalee Rd.). For details, call 239-449-5900 or visit talispark.com.
A new flavor of luxury COMPLETED RESIDENCES AVAILABLE
VIANSA
VIANSA Penthouse Homes from the $800’s Resort-style CORSICA Coach Homes from the $700’s VIANSA Terrace Homes from the $600’s MODELS OPEN DAILY
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Garden House Information & Sales Center • 16980 Livingston Road 239-449-5900 • TalisPark.com A KITSON & PARTNERS COMMUNITY Broker participation welcomed. Prices, plans and specifications subject to change without notice. Oral Representation 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. Photography In This Ad May Be Stock Photography Used To Depict The Lifestyle To Be Achieved Rather Any That May Exist.
Stock Development offers three tiers of residential excellence The Stock name is renowned throughout Southwest Florida for quality residences built with style. With a legacy of award-winning design and a keen understanding of the Florida lifestyle, Stock builds a unique range of exceptional masterpieces from quality-built Classic Homes to masterfully crafted Signature Residences like the Windsor III in Quail Creek to uniquely inspired Custom Estates. STOCK SIGNATURE HOMES With distinctive architectural styles, luxurious interiors, and an extensive array of finish choices, Stock Signature Homes’ spacious residences are inspiring both inside and out. 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. A superb example is Stock’s Windsor III model at Quail Creek, which features an exquisite interior deign by Soco Interiors. The Windsor III is a four-bedroom plus study, fourand-a-half-bath home with 4,155 square feet
46 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
under air and 6,573 total square feet, including two, two-car garages, one on each side of the home. There is a 22-by-20-foot great room with sliding glass doors that pocket back providing direct access to the pool and outdoor living area. To the left of the great room is the open kitchen with island counter, walk-in pantry and circular breakfast nook. The formal dining room is the left of the foyer and overlooks the front yard. Beyond the kitchen are the three guest suites. Two are en suites, while the third guest bedroom, which has direct access to the outdoor living area, has the pool bath nearby. On the opposite side of the home are the study, exercise room and master retreat. The master retreat, which also has access to the outdoor living area measures 18 by 15 feet and has a seating area. The bedroom also has 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. An amazing covered, poolside outdoor living area includes a kitchen with an island and a dining area. There is also beautifully furnished living area for relaxing in front of the fireplace and large, flat screen TV. Stunning lakefront vistas extend beyond the pool and spa.
CLASSIC SERIES Built on a tradition of quality, innovative design, and a keen understanding of what homebuyers are looking for, the Classic Series gives homebuyers the opportunity to select from a collection of well-designed homes that deliver exceptional value. With Stock Classic Homes, homebuyers have the opportunity to select from a collection of well-designed homes that deliver exceptional value backed by the solid reputation of an awardwinning builder. Stock’s decades of experience produces homes with broad appeal that feature gourmet kitchens, fabulous outdoor living areas and beautiful master suites. STOCK CUSTOM HOMES Custom grand estate residences by Stock Custom Homes are designed and built to fulfill each homeowner’s unique personal preferences. Highlights include dramatic ceiling details, walk-in wine rooms, sprawling kitchens, cherished studies, splendid master suites, and magnificent outdoor living spaces. Custom grand estate residences by Stock Custom Homes are one-of-a-kind homes found in some of the most prestigious areas of Naples, Palm Beach and Marco Island.
INSPIRED ADMIRED DESIRED From quality-built Classic Homes to masterfully crafted Signature Residences and uniquely inspired Custom Estates, Stock offers homeowners dazzling choices in the most desirable locations. Experience our exquisite models, ready-to-enjoy residences and find your dream home, beautifully designed and created by the region’s leading luxury homebuilder for over 17 years.
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CLASSIC HOMES | SIGNATURE HOMES | CUSTOM HOMES
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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 | DECEMBER 2018 | 47
GRAND | SHOPPING
A TOUCH OF
KEY WEST
B
WELL-ESTABLISHED WILDFLOWER BOUTIQUE KEEPS BLOOMING
y definition, a wildflower is an uncommon posy that grows freely, resiliently and beautifully. Wildflowers flourish anywhere they choose, attracting a timeless hold of admiration. Since its first brainstorming conception in Key West, the Wildflower boutique in Naples was always planned to mimic the wildflowers’ artistic expression and natural elegance. Connie Sims and her mom loved the idea of providing Southwest Florida with a unique women’s boutique similar to the trendy shops found in Key West’s famous shopping and tourist district. “It was actually my dad’s idea,” Connie says. “Thirty-five years ago, my husband and I were vacationing in the Keys with my parents, and we 48 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
collectively loved the unusual, artistic feel of the shops. The uniqueness stood out like nothing I had seen in Southwest Florida.” Although this stemmed from “happy hour socializing,” the concept began to grow in Connie’s heart, and her days as a Lee County art teacher came to an end as she pursued a new career path of creativity and style. Wildflower started in downtown Fort Myers in 1984, relocated four times and has planted roots at The Village Shops on Venetian Bay in Naples for 28 years. Although the beautiful, sparkling water at the shops is an added value when visiting the casually chic boutique, the exclusive lines, quality fabrics and unmatchable customer service is what keeps the clientele faithful.
About Wildflower
• Located in The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, 4222 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples • Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday • Learn more by calling 239-643-6776 or visiting wildflowerboutique.biz
Connie refers to her customers as friends and recalls one client correcting her during an introduction to announce her as a friend, not a customer. Myra Friedman, also a friend and a customer of Wildflower for 20 years, says the same about her relationship with the Wildflower family. “I now feel like I am related to the staff. It is so much fun to go to Wildflower,” she says. “Although I prefer traditional, timeless pieces, I do like to replenish often and stay stylish. I seek out the unusual, and I don’t like ordinary.” Myra also modeled seasonal collections for Wildflower years ago. What makes Wildflower’s collections and style truly unique is its exclusive, European lines and special occasion attire. Some of the brands carried in the shop include: Dismero, Marc Cain, Bogner, Laurél, Marc Aurel, Edward Achour Paris, Marisa Baratelli, Frascara and Luisa Cerano. The collections are often accented with acces-
sories by various professional jewelers and Suzi Roher designer belts. Suzi travels to Italy to discuss the design of the leather that is created by artisans in Italy. All stones and metals are then shipped to Toronto where her team creates and manufactures the belts.
What’s in Wildflower’s future? • Connie and her dad are learning the art of silversmithing and one day may create their own line of jewelry. • February 2019 is Wildflower’s 35th anniversary. They plan to host collection events throughout season. For details, visit wildflowerboutique.biz. • This winter, Dismero will be one of the brands providing a collection party at Wildflower with samples of their new wine and olive oil.
STORY BY MICHAELA VATTIMO • PHOTOS BY SRIJITA CHATTOPADHYAY GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 49
Muir Woods 50 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
grand | GETAWAY
A
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MUIR WOODS & NATIONAL REDWOOD FOREST
GIANTS
Walk among
STORY BY JENNIFER THOMAS
lush landscape, cool temperatures, but no snow. The redwood forests of Northern California are an ideal destination for Southwest Floridians. The redwoods rank high on many a bucket list and often result in the same reaction among travelers — silence. “People get out of their car when they enter the National Redwood Forest and they stand under the trees and look up. Then they just go silent,” says Mike Poole, a park ranger with the Redwood National and State Parks. The trees, he explains, are 300 feet tall, larger than most any other tree a guest has ever seen firsthand. There are 350 square miles of redwoods in California, he continues, but only 4 to 5 percent of the big redwoods remain. “There are differences between the northern redwoods and southern redwoods, most often viewed at Muir Woods near San Francisco,” Mike says. “While they are all redwoods, the difference is the weather. The northern redwoods benefit from the winter rains from the Pacific storms, creating a rainforest environment as they get moisture from the fog.” Celebrating 50 years this year as a national park, which also encircles three state parks, it is a very diverse destination. There are a variety of hikes ranging from flat, easy ones to full day hikes and overnight backpacking. There is one strenuous hike that requires a permit obtained only in person. “When I take people on walks, most have never seen a tree taller than the lowest branch of a redwood. The density of the forest increases the deeper you go into the park, creating a dinosaur-looking environment,” Mike describes. “If experiencing the redwoods via hiking, you’ll need a week to see everything. Regardless of length of stay, be sure to find a trail that leads away from the road and just walk into the trees for the best experience.”
GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 51
The coast in Trinidad, California
Other seasonal activities include guided kayak tours of the Smith River, wildlife viewing, horseback riding and back country camping (permits required). Travelers enjoy driving their vehicle through the national park, too. “There are some great roads to drive through and squeeze your car through the trees,” he adds. This environmental wonder is also home to American history. Trekkers might be surprised to come across the Radar Station B-17, which sits atop an ocean bluff south of Klamath and is an example of a World War II early warning radar station. The two structures include radar antennas and two machine gun emplacements, Mike explains. When planning a vacation to the redwoods, he recommends flying into Medford, Oregon, for the shortest route to this vast national park; however, for those looking to explore a bit more of the California coastline, flying into San Francisco allows travelers to visit the nearby Muir Woods National Monument and then explore north about seven hours to the Redwoods National Park. “The first thing you have to do when arriving to the 52 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF MUIR WOODS & NATIONAL REDWOOD FOREST
PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT CALIFORNIA
grand | GETAWAY
The Trinidad Bed & Breakfast
Muir Woods
redwoods is stop at one of the visitors’ centers to get the latest information,” he advises. “You could waste hours in a day just to discover a road or area might be closed. So gather the current information upon arrival.” Besides the giants, Ranger Mike says guests revel in experiencing the nearly 40 miles of rugged Pacific coastline. Cape Coral resident Audrey Lovell is planning a summer trip to Northern California on a quest to see the redwoods. “We were planning on flying to San Fran and renting an RV and staying at national parks during the vacation. We plan on driving up 101 through the Avenue of the Giants,” she says. “We want to see the sites in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and the crown jewel — the redwoods — and come back along the scenic coast.” Trinidad, California, is another must-see spot when visiting Northern California. “Trinidad is a small coastal village surrounded by beauty on all sides,” says Allie Heemstra, spokesperson for the Greater Trinidad Chamber of Commerce. “A visit to Trinidad is an invitation to slow down, enjoy nature and
enjoy the feel of a small, tight-knit community. It’s a walk to the beach with some of the most breathtaking views in all of the northern coast, or just a quick drive away from the majestic redwoods.” When visiting Trinidad, Allie recommends a few local attractions, including having lunch at The Beachcomber Café, visiting Trinidad State Beach and walking the trail around Trinidad Head, visiting the pier, and stopping in the local winery tasting room Moonstone Crossing Winery for some award-winning wine. “It is so easy to feel ‘off the beaten path’ here,” Allie says. “Even though it is a major tourist town, the town really has a lot of distinct charm and local flavor. There are so many miles of beachfront, wooded trails and gorgeous views, it is easy to find your own little corner of beauty.” Audrey says this trip has been on her families’ wish list for some time, and she is excited to experience such a natural wonder. “Being a Floridian,” she says, “I will enjoy seeing the sights of the mountains, the historic redwoods, as well as the cliffs of the coast.”
WELLNESS DIRECTORY
GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 53
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 con-venient services. Most insurance plans are accepted and
54 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
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.
NOW PATIENTS FOR PRIMARY CARE & SPECIALTIES
Connecting You to a Healthier Life 5 REASONS TO JOIN MILLENNIUM 1| Our Experienced Physicians 2| Walk-in Medical Centers 3| Dedicated Care Teams 4| Diagnostic Services 5| Patient Portal & Electronic Medical Records
www.MillenniumPhysician.com Lee & Collier County Walk-in Medical Center Locations
Cape Coral Walk-in Medical Center 3571 Del Prado Blvd N, Ste 2 Cape Coral, FL 33909 Phone: 239-656-6300 Mon - Fri: NOON - 7 PM Sat & Sun: 8 AM - NOON
Fort Myers Walk-in Medical Center 13813 Metro Pkwy Fort Myers , FL 33912 Phone: 239-308-0005 Mon - Fri: 7 AM - 7 PM Sat & Sun: 8 AM - NOON
Bonita Walk-in Medical Center 9400 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Ste 101 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Phone: 239-498-9294 Mon - Fri: 8 AM - 6 PM Sat & Sun: 9 AM - 3 PM
Naples Walk-in Medical Center 400 8th St N Naples, FL 34102 Phone: 239-649-3333 Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM - 7 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
You can have Diabetic Retinopathy and experience no sysmptoms If you have diabetes it is critical to have regular eye exams. Much can be done to slow the progression of the disease and preserve your vision if the condition is detected and treatment begins in the early stages. Typical symptoms you may experience with diabetic retinopathy include some of the following symptoms. Spots, dots or cobweb-like dark strings floating in your vision, these are called floaters. Blurred vision or vision that changes periodically from blurry to clear. Blank or dark areas in your field of vision also a symptom that can cause poor night vision. Colors can appear to be washed out or different. Vision loss is also one of the symptoms that you may experience with diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetes-related eye disease. People with diabetes commonly experience changes in the blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels can swell and leak fluid and blood, and in some cases vessels close off completely. In other patients, abnormal new blood vessels begin to grow on the surface of the retina causing
hemorrhage and traction detaching the retina. These conditions lead to a progressive loss of vision. The treatment of diabetic retinopathy can vary based on the stage of the condition at the time of diagnosis. Treatment options include medical injections, laser treatments and surgery. If you suspect you may be suffering from diabetic retinopathy symptoms, schedule an evaluation. To schedule a consultation at Eye Centers of Florida, please call 888.EYE. APPT (888.393.2778) or dial **EYE on your mobile phone.
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grand | MAKE IT A DOUBLE
Smoked Margarita
Blue Lavender
Island Old Fashioned
Bill and Mary Newman’s 2003 and 1972 Mini Coopers.
Personality+
COCKTAILS FUSE BRINGS IT ALL TOGETHER.
GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 57
T
STORY BY GINA BIRCH • PHOTOS BY ALEX DRIEHAUS
he bar at Fuse Global Cuisine in Naples may be upscale, but it’s also warm and welcoming, not just because of the regulars who sit around it but the person behind it: co-owner Monika Czechowska. While most restaurant owners are found in the front of the house or in the kitchen, not Monika. “I love people, and after we opened, I really missed being behind the bar,” she says. “We have so much fun.” The drinks here have color, flavor, texture, smell, and they offer a bit of nostalgia during the holiday season.
This page, clockwise from top left: A plate of quail and waffles • Monika Czechowska, owner and bartender at Fuse • Kangaroo carpaccio • Coconut S’mores Martini
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Before setting fire to wood planks for smoke-infused cocktails was trendy, Monika was doing it. A warm smell spreads through the bar when she takes a torch to both a maple plank and then the orange peel used to garnish her Smoked Margarita. The cocktail is served in a snifter rimmed with chili salt, the word FUSE stamped in red wax on the side. It’s rustic, not overly smoked, with the right amount of sweetness from blood orange liquor and acidity from fresh squeezed citrus. Looking pretty and feminine, the Blue Lavender is a troublemaker at heart; it goes down easy. Made with rosemary and lavender vodka, violet liquor and agave, it’s shaken with egg whites for a frothy finish.
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About creating cocktails, Monika says, “I don’t believe you need seven ingredients and people waiting 20 minutes for a drink. I work with good ingredients and balance the flavors.” It works. Perfect for the holiday season is the Island Old Fashioned, the personable bartender’s tropical spin on a classic. She uses Bounty Rum, original and orange bitters, burnt orange, and black cherry. With layers of flavors including citrus and cinnamon, it’s a slow sipper. The appetizers are just as creative as the drinks at Fuse. A good match to the margarita is the Quail and Waffle. Free-range birds are buttermilk fried then placed on Belgian waffles along with pickled jalapeños and maple but-
ter drizzle, creating a delectably sweet and spicy, crunchy and tender combo. The Kangaroo Carpaccio is a conversation starter and a great culinary surprise. Artfully plated, the thin, lean kangaroo meat is tender, even a bit sweet, accompanied by tart cherry gastrique, white bean puree and picked herbs; it’s a must try. Dessert cocktails, such as the Coconut S’mores Martini, are good both before and after dinner. Monika smiles and says, “Who doesn’t like s’mores? When I make this, the entire dining room can smell the toasted marshmallow. It takes you back to your childhood.” Monika has fun crafting cocktails, and conversing behind the bar, and that fun is infectious.
No Negroni Negroni
GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 59
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A CASE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Whether hosting a dinner party or gifting the host, these picks are the perfect bottles to have on hand.
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love the holiday season for so many reasons, the abundance of food and wine being one of them. This is a time when I wish I could fill two cases of wine for this column, as there is twice the number of opportunities to drink, open and give a bottle. The holidays are sentimental and so is wine for many people, including Cindie Barker, food and beverage manager for the St. Charles Yacht Club in south Fort Myers. She listened to her heartstrings as well as her palate when helping me fill this month’s case.
Picking only a handful of wines each for December was a fun but challenging task, one we enjoyed over a bottle of Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Blanc ($30), a beautiful Rhone blend from Paso Robles that has some weight and a holiday food feel. It’s also a clever way to sneak in an extra pick. While most of Cindie’s choices stem from unforgettable experiences (many of which I have been fortunate to share with her), mine come more from a platform of gifting.
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Limerick Lane Rosé ($24) » I’m very fond of the saying “rosé everyday” and always have a selection of these dry wines on my restaurant lists. I look for a rosé that has character, and the ones from Limerick Lane always fill the bill. The bottle is striking, so is the heart (and the looks) of winemaker Jake Bilbro. His commitment to family, farming and winemaking comes through in his awardwinning, low production wines. Last year I managed to scoop up the last case of this rosé in Florida. I sold a few in the restaurant and drank the rest…shhhhh.
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Post House, Missing Virgin Red Blend ($25) » There was a brief time in my food and wine career where I sold South African wines, and I fell in love with the region — I still love it. While I enjoy the chardonnays coming from this area, I particularly like red blends like the Missing Virgin from Post House. Named after a postage stamp, it is a combination of Petit Verdot and Pinotage. To me, this is just a sexy wine.
GINA BIRCH
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Gina Birch is the wine columnist for The NewsPress in Fort Myers. Follow her social media here: Twitter: @ginabirch Facebook: GinaBirch
Bruno Paillard Rose ($70) » I agree with Cindie’s rosé everyday statement as well as her love of bubbles for the holidays and year-round. In fact, I was with her in Champagne, and one of my other favorite tasting experiences came at Bruno Paillard. This winery consistently cranks out high quality wines that veer toward the dry side. This one is not only pink but also extra brut. Some of the reserve wines used in this date back to 1985. Bubbles from here mature a little longer than typical before being released, resulting in complexity and depth. I’m salivating.
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Mercer Estates Chardonnay, Horse Heaven Hills, 2016 ($17) » When it comes to American chardonnay, Napa Valley gets the lion’s share of the love as well as the high price tags. Turning to Washington State, Mercer is producing a fresh, clean chardonnay that doesn’t weigh you down in terms of price and/or oak. This did go through malolactic fermentation, giving it a rich texture, but it still has some zip and zest, even some cotton candy. I particularly like the apple flavors, perfect for the season.
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CINDIE BARKER
Guest columnist, food & beverage manager for the St. Charles Yacht Club in south Fort Myers
St. Supéry Estate, Dollarhide Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc ($35) » St. Supéry has more than a tasting room in Napa; they also have an art gallery, and they like to educate visitors. I’ve been to the winery a few times, but one of my favorite experiences was a steep drive into the vineyards on Pope Mountain. As we hit the crest, the scenery that unfolded was breathtaking. We drank this grapefruit forward, crisp sauvignonCanc out of crystal glasses, seated around a table dressed in white linen for an amazing picnic lunch — it makes me want to cry.
Duckhorn Merlot Three Palms Vineyard, Napa Valley, 2015 ($98) » I went on a merlot-drinking spree in October in celebration of International Merlot Month. I forget how much I really like that grape until I try one like this. It’s a WOW wine. Big and bold with cocoa on the nose, dark fruit and toast on the palate; this really hit its stride after about an hour of being opened. I drank it with a succulent filet and was sad when the experience came to an end. It’s a special wine whether you are gifting or serving it at your holiday table.
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Early Mountain, Five Forks, 2017 ($25) » There is a West Coast tip of the scales in this Grand Case, but the East Coast needs love, too. Wines from Virginia are gaining traction, thanks to producers such as Early Mountain. This is one for the “wine geek” in your circle. It’s a sauvignon blanc-based blend with petit manseng, pinot gris, viognier and Malvasia Bianca, and it has layers. The fruit is ripe and tropical, a bit herbal and slightly floral on the finish, with lots of acid and minerality all the way through. During a season full of heavy, rich foods, this will cut right through them.
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Mauritson Wines, Rockpile Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel ($45) » I tried this wine on my first trip to Napa Valley, and it’s one of my most memorable experiences. Winemaker Clay Mauritson is a longtime friend who invited me to the release party for this wine. I remember standing on his newly built patio watching the sunset over the mountains with a glass of zinfandel. I don’t even drink zinfandel, but the Rockpile is just beautiful. Zin is such a great food wine that can be paired with so many things, things I never would’ve thought of, like a roasted turkey with all the trimmings.
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Jacquart Brut Mosaique Champagne ($45) » I love Champagne. No holiday celebration is complete without a bottle, or two. I was already a fan of Jacquart, but when I tasted it at the winery in Champagne, France, it sealed the deal. Not only did I get to taste older vintages in the cellar with the lovely winemaker, but we also took a bottle for an off-site tour. Being driven through the rolling vineyards in the heart of Champagne, my best friends seated next to me, the wine never tasted better. These bubbles are soft; the wine is aromatic with flavors of stone fruit and biscuit. It makes me happy.
Stave & Steel, Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon ($21) » Many of the wines mentioned in this column take some effort to locate, so I always like to include some that are affordable and somewhat easy to find in the rush of the season. This 100 percent cab is aged 100 percent in coveted Kentucky bourbon barrels. I was expecting it to be sweet, but the vanilla and caramel from the barrel are in check. The fruits are big and dark, the finish spicy with licorice. If you have an aerator, use it. The bottle is masculine, with a matte finish and it looks like the holidays.
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Krutz Family Cellars, Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 ($65) » I first purchased a magnum of the 2009 vintage when I was managing the Blue Coyote Supper Club on Sanibel. I brought that big beast on a trip to France as a gift for my hosts. While they have access to amazing local wines, they rarely get to enjoy Napa cabs like this. I dragged that dang bottle from Fort Myers to Paris, to Champagne and Lyon before gifting it, and it was worth every bit of effort. I recently tried the new vintage and had forgotten how much I love it. I also love the Krutz Magnolia Pinot Noir and just added it to my list; it sells out.
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*Prices listed can vary. Some of these wines can be found in local wine shops, others are limited production and may require shipment from the producers themselves.
Clos du Val, Hirondelle Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015 ($120) » I just tried the new vintage of this Napa cab and it is impressive, just let it open a little before you go for it. It looks like velvet and tastes like raspberry, and mocha with a hint of mint and cedar. A big wine packaged in a big heavy bottle, this is a special gift. If you want to give a nice Napa cab without investing quit as much, try Clos du Val’s 2015 Estate Cab ($52). It’s brambly and blue with a bit of cab franc added to the mix. You can’t go wrong with either one.
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REGAL
LINES Don Bellew’s 1929 Bentley was owned by Prince George Imeretinsky, godson of the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II.
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’m a driver, not a polisher,” smiles Don Bellew when asked which brand of car wax he trusts to protect the finish on his million-dollar 1929 Bentley Wylder tourer black beauty. The driving experience is paramount for the Naples man, who has pushed the Bentley just past 100 miles per hour on calm clear roads in Amish country. On Florida’s east coast, he powered the Bentley along the sand at Ormond Beach, known as the Birthplace of Speed, where he was clocked at just below 60 miles per hour. This Bentley is no garage queen. STORY BY STEPHANIE BORDEN PHOTOS BY LOGAN NEWELL
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Don and Connie Bellew
Known as the Ferrari of its day, a Bentley won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930. Don’s 4.5-liter one-door fourseater was custom-built for power and speed, trading windows for an edge on the race track. Bentleys were hand-built at the modest brick Cricklewood, England, factory from 1919 through 1931. Bentley burned bright for only 12 years before flaming out in bankruptcy. Rolls-Royce purchased the company at auction in 1931. Don’s 1929 Bentley Chassis No. KL3598 Reg. UW8944 has riveting regal lineage. “It was designed by Prince George Imeretinsky, godson of the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II and his wife, Alexandra,” he reports. The royal couple and their five children were slaughtered 100 years ago by Bolshevik revolutionaries, igniting the Russian Revolution. “His father was head of the Czar’s cavalry when Prince George was born in 1897. He attended British military school and served with the British in World War I,” Don says. “He was wounded and decorated, then lived in London, where 64 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
he wrote articles on automobile design.” Prince George and his wife, Princess Imeretinsky, owned three Bentleys, including the one Don drives today. “The couple often drove this car to Brooklands, the famous British racetrack,” Don says, “where Princess Imeretinsky won a well-publicized ladies-only race.” With a price tag of up to $8,000, at that time the Bentley was only a dream for all but the elite. Americans could buy Henry Ford’s Model T for less than $300. Most Bentley owners kept meticulous records, so Don learned that his Bentley was previously owned by a British Royal Air Force pilot in World War II who drove the Bentley into a ditch while on leave. Alan Burnard, a teenager who saw the spill, helped get the car back on the road and bought it from the pilot after the war. The car passed through more owners before Don acquired it in 1994 and corresponded with Alan during the restoration process. In 2000, while Don was in England with the Bentley, he met Alan and gave him a ride in the car he had owned 50 years before.
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“Once you sell a car, usually you never know what happens to it, especially when it’s moved to another country,� Don explains. “So Alan was thrilled to see his old Bentley and ride in it again.� 2019 marks the centennial of the founding of the Bentley company, and Don hopes the Bentley Drivers Club will organize another gathering in England and Europe like the 2000 Millennium Tour. He fondly recalls driving the 3,500mile route with 99 other Bentley owners through England, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. “Our tour included the Grossglockner and the Stelvio Alpine passes,� he says. “The Stelvio road has 45 hairpin turns to the summit, which had snow on July 4th.� Locally, Don belongs to the Antique Automobile Club of America’s Naples/
Lisa D. Zack, M.D.
Marco Island section, the Classic Car Club of America’s Southwest Florida region, and the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club. All the clubs welcome new members, especially young people who appreciate antique automobiles and want to help preserve them. Car ownership is not required for most clubs. Don says he and many other car collectors are concerned that their children and grandchildren won’t be able to afford the high cost of repair, maintenance, storage and insurance for an antique automobile. Research shows that the current Uber and iPhone generation has the lowest interest in history in owning a vehicle — even a new one. You can meet Don and see his historic Bentley at the annual Cars on 5th event in Naples on February 9. Last year’s attendance of 50,000 set a new record.
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In town. On the water. Beyond the ordinary.
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Classic Old Florida Clubhouse | Resort-Style Zero-Entry Pool | Event Lawn | Lap Pool | Cabanas | Fitness Center Pickleball & Tennis Courts | Kayak & Paddleboard Launches | Construction Underway on The Overlook Bar & Grill Available Membership at Adjoining Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club With Deepwater Access to the Gulf of Mexico Guided Boat Tours every Friday - Saturday 9:30 am – 4 pm and Sunday 11:30 am – 3 pm Explore our nature trails and waterways on Minto bicycles and kayaks
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© Minto Communities, LLC 2018. Not an offer where prohibited by state statutes. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Artist’s renderings, dimensions, specifications, prices and features are approximate and subject to change without notice. Minto, the Minto logo, The Isles of Collier Preserve and The Isles of Collier Preserve logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880. 12/2018. MICP-005827
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INSIDE OUT Wilbert and Peggy Hamstra place as much attention to the outdoor details of their Vista Point Estate as the exquisite interior STORY BY CATHY CHESTNUT | PHOTOS BY CHRIS TILLEY GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 67
ilbert and Peggy Hamstra first came to Naples in 1970 — and now the Indiana natives are pleased with the finishing touches on their seventh home here. Seven isn’t surprising considering Wilbert is a selfmade success, the founder of the 50-year-old real estate development company The Hamstra Group in Wheatfield, Indiana, where he was raised. He was visiting Naples with a customer “and I liked it. I bought a lot on that trip,” he recalls. He’d go on to build his own multi-million-dollar villas, selling them to corporate titans for chart-topping sums (their Villa del Sol on Gulf Shore Boulevard sold for $21 million in 2015). The profit is nice, but Wilbert says the desire to create and build things has coursed through his veins since he was a child hammering together birdhouses. “I just like to build things. I can’t help it,” Wilbert says. “I wanted to be a builder since I was little kid.” However, their most recent home, Vista Point Estate tucked deep into Aqualane Shores on Naples Bay, is markedly different. It was designed by Stofft Cooney Architects for another homeowner before the Hamstras purchased it in 2015. The acclaimed Naples architecture firm came in to add trellises and a covered front entry for the Hamstras, who brought in Eleni Interiors outside Detroit to renovate the inside. The firm has assisted the Hamstras with several homes and a condo. What especially needed attention was the landscape. Gardens are another passion for the Hamstras, inspired decades ago by the stunning Pierre S. du Pont Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. So they brought in Naples landscape architect W. Christian “Chris” Busk to work his magic — the third property Busk has partnered on with the Hamstras. “I have creative ideas, but it takes an architect to do it right,” Wilbert says. Naples landscape architect Chris Busk completely redesigned a salvaged fountain made of Indiana limestone, which has become the centerpiece of the entrance to Vista Point Estate.
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Transformation unfolded on several fronts, from expanding and relocating the driveway to adding concealing turf parking pads and marble accents in the driveway. Segmented marble walkways replaced paver paths around the property. Coconut palms were moved from a front island to create screening in the back. Two water panels — lily pad ponds that are the same grade as the ground — were added next to the entrance to create a reflective, calming mood. “I like water gardens. They give you a warm feeling. There’s some kind of peace about a water garden,” Wilbert says. Royal palms closely lining the driveway were also relocated to create a palm alee to screen the property from a nearby residence. “It looked like a tunnel. We moved every royal palm, including one that was 55 feet high. We had to use a crane,” Chris says. Specimen date palms were installed at the entry and in the island, along with a fountain made of Indiana limestone that Chris located at a salvage store on the east coast that came from the Wackenhut mansion. Chris redesigned and styled the fountain bowls, adding jets and generous lighting — and it’s become a centerpiece. “Everything has its place,” Chris says. “He wanted something flowering at all times. He loves gardens more than any client I have ever had.” The Hamstras travel the world, recently visiting botanical gardens in Dubai and Bali. “Thousands of people” flock to their garden in Wheatfield, Indiana, for tours and photo shoots, says Wilbert, who grew up on a farm “playing in the dirt. It probably got me inspired. It’s part of who I am.” At Vista Point Estate, a turf peninsula on Naples Bay is what Wilbert calls “the path to nowhere.”
Wilbert and Peggy Hamstra have a passion for botanical gardens and verdant landscaping, and so they put a lot of consideration into the exterior execution of their home on Naples Bay, including shaded sitting areas, yearround flowering vegetation, lily pad ponds and a palm alee.
GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 69
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A look inside The interiors of the estate are seamlessly stunning. Vaulted ceilings, warm wood cabinets and ceiling beams and trays, plank floors, generous windows and flowing archways lend a calm, open feeling throughout. In the kitchen, two vibrant mosaics featuring peacocks lend an elegant touch of pizzazz. One interesting fact about the 6,861-square-foot Italianate estate is that there are 21 televisions indoors and out. “Overall this private residence is a sophisticated, classic, traditional home with exquisite appointments and details. The design of the home is a curated look with tailored upholstery pieces, rich wood case goods and character pieces sprinkled throughout,” says interior designer Kate Brennan of Eleni Interiors. “Vivid blue, neutrals, textures and accents of greens, berry and touches of yellow make up this savvy color palette. The residence is very authentic and personal and filled with thoughtful details.” In the great room, there is plenty of space for 50 or more family members and friends to gather in front of the drop-down, projector TV for the Super Bowl, though the 20th annual soiree is moving to the Port Royal Club next year because it’s expected to be even bigger. Wilbert says he spends a lot time in the home office, handling philanthropic affairs. Another popular spot is the big family room, with views outside to the infinity-edge pool, hot tub and bay. The couple likes a small TV room down the hall from the office where they can relax. “You close the doors, and it’s as cozy as can be,” he says. An outdoor patio was enclosed with an arbor to protect it from the northeast winds and summer sun — now an ideal place to watch TV and take in the waterfront views. The four-bedroom home includes a segregated onebedroom studio with living room for family and visitors. Peggy, 79, and Wilbert, 80, married when she was 17 and he was 18, raising four kids in a family that has grown to include nine grandchildren and 21 greatgrandchildren. In addition to masterful interiors and gardens, the couple share a passion for boating. Their property features more than 300 feet of bay frontage and a 64-foot, cut-in boat slip. Over 16 years, they clocked some 6,000 miles a year in their 63-foot motor yacht, traveling from Naples to Nova Scotia, New York, Illinois and Michigan with their captain. They have sold that yacht but travel frequently to the Keys, Tampa, Boca Grande or Miami on their 26foot yacht, a replica of a vintage Elco Model-T docked in Naples. In Indiana, “all I see is corn crops,” he says. “I like to be near the water and I love boating.”
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The custom, built-in media center features open, geometric shelves. • Holiday cheer adds warmth to a sunlit hallway. • The two-story stairwell is enhanced with a rich, stained beam ceiling, which contrasts with the light colors and trim. • The kitchen is made cozy with wood-plank floors. • The coastal-inspired guest bedroom features periwinkle blue walls and cabana-striped bedding for a rejuvenating rest. • Large sliders bring the outside into the great room. The casual floral fabric lends color and interest to the flexible seating group. • Another tranquil guest bedroom welcomes visitors with warm wood tones and airy sophistication. • The luxury master bathroom is accented with metallic insets behind the freestanding tub, while the ceiling detail and chandelier showcase the height of this space. 70 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 71
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MATANZAS CRAFT BEER FEST ON THE BAY Matanzas on the Bay’s first-ever craft beer event, raised $3,500 for Operation Open Arms, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the care and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military personnel. The event featured live music by Soulixer and Sheena Brook, tasty bites and a selection of craft beers poured by five local breweries: Bone Hook Brewing Company, Fort Myers Brewing Company, Momentum Brewhouse, Palm City Brewing and Point Ybel Brewing Company.
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1. Sharon Jamieson, Julie Smith, Joe Jamieson and Jim Jamieson 2. Tony Coppolino, Capt. John “GiddyUp” Bunch and Doug Speirn-Smith 3. Mariela Castanon, Kathy and Dave Chetwin 4. John Richard, Dorae Smith, Kathy and Joe McHarris 5. Donna and Dan Carney 6. Amy and Steve Nease 7. Meshac Smith and Charniece Jarman
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MAGIC UNDER THE MANGROVES KICK OFF The 2019 Magic Under the Mangroves gala committee held a planning meeting at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida on Nov. 14. The 2019 Magic Under the Mangroves gala will be held Thursday, March 7, 2019 at the Conservancy Nature Center. 1. Meghan Houde, Franni Stevens and Marie Rubinstein 2. Nancy White, Donna Hall, Maureen Lerner and Judy Hushon 3. Kristine Meek and Cynthia Weston 4. Raynelle Heidrick and Barbara Wilson 5. Sue Schulte, Sue Dalton, Raynelle Heidrick and Nancy White 6. Linda Diaz and Toni Mueller 7. Carol Walter, Rob Moher, Kim Collins and Robin Hamilton 72 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
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FACES OF HOPE AT WORK
BREWS FOR THE BIRDS
Hope Clubhouse of Southwest Florida held its annual Mental Health Luncheon at Broadway Palm on October 29. The theme of this year’s luncheon, “Faces of Hope at Work,” was designed to spotlight the organization’s job placement efforts through the new Hope Works LLC. The event raised $133,000.
The second annual Brews for the Birds event was held November 3 at the Everglades Wonder Gardens. Guests toured the gardens, sampled craft beers, listened to live music, and tasted food from local food truck vendors. Proceeds from the event support the enhancement of the lives of the birds who live at the gardens.
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1. Jeff and Amy Pike with Cailin Weidenmiller 2. Sawyer Smith and Mariah Bakke 3. Sabra Smith and Danville Leadbetter 4. Jennifer and Thomas Hecker
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ANCIENT CHINESE SECRETS
Special to Grandeur
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5 1. Kappy King, Kelly Fayer and Shirley Ferell 2. James and Cindi Wineinger 3. Teri and Chris Hansen 4. Scott Kashman, Amadno Llechu and David Collins 5. Heather Fitzenhagen and Kelly Fayer 6. Carrie Lucas and Joyce Miller 7. Al Kinkle and James Wineinger
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“Ancient Chinese Secrets,” an exhibit of Chinese zodiac art and rare and unusual Asian antiquities, opened November 9 at Miromar Design Center. The opening reception included an introduction to the Chinese zodiac by author Winslow “Bud” Johnson and a ceremonial champagne “sabrage” performed by painter Stanislas Kostka. The exhibit, organized by Aldo Castillo Gallery, continues through February 5.
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1. Elise Kokal, Kristin Kokal and Charles Harris 2. Bill Ulrich, Aldo Castillo and Angela Garcia 3. Andrew Arteaga and Ely Palacios GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 73
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PUMPTOBER–FEST Bell Tower Shops’ inaugural PumptoberFest craft beer festival was held October 13. Attendees tasted ales, lagers, pilsners and stouts provided by 24 breweries.
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1. Megan Simon and Jessi Lachut 2. Tami Welch, Caitlin Seccombe and Clair Gumpert 3. Amber and Ryan Skulina 4. Megan Ruiz and Rose Stone 5. Leo Soirce and Andrea Schmidt 6. Maylis Broderick, Ambra Maymon, Tyree Hunter, Rian Barnett and Garrett Gatlin 7. Brad Milici, Erika Macy, Cassady Lozzi and EJ Lozzi
REDFISH RODEO FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS Creighton Construction & Development’s sixth annual 7-Eleven Redfish Rodeo Fishing Tournament was held on September 28. The event raised $41,500 to support the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund. A kick-off party was held at The Westin Cape Coral Resort.
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5 1. Stan Mehke, Lorie Hendricks and Ron Fair 2. Kim Hauser, Mike Durkee and Brent Evans 3. Gina and Aric Livorio with Charles Bantos 4. Dustin Watkins, Danielle Watkins, Valerie Male, Steve Male and Juan Barcis 5. Don Vogt, Dave Copham and Daniel Distel 6. Josh Gidcumb, Jamie Piazza, Christophe Bouteille and Ryan Faust 7. Doug and Kim Hauser with Anthony Katchuk and Lauren Evans
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FINEMARK FGCU COLLEGIATE OPEN
FLORIDA CHARITY GOLF OUTING
Nearly 400 tennis fans, participants and supporters attended the first-ever FineMark FGCU Collegiate Open at Bonita Bay Club on October 26. Bonita Bay Club members volunteered their time to coordinate the event and hosted student athletes for the weekend. Proceeds from the club’s series of 2018-2019 tennis events benefit New Horizons of Southwest Florida.
More than 100 golfers attended the third annual Brown & Brown Insurance of Southwest Florida Charity Golf Outing on September 21 at LaPlaya Golf Club in Naples. The event raised more than $30,000 to support Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc.
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1. Paula Scheb, Mary Kavanaugh, Ken Kavanaugh and Darla Highley 2. Jan Pallares and Elizabeth Boyle 3. Pat and Ed Burke with Courtney Vernon
Photos special to GRANDEUR
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1 1. Rick Johnston, Chris Claypool, Heather Pruchanski and David Burgiel 2. Tonda Lawson and Wayne Smith
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Experience ArtFest as a VIP
Receive VIP Perks & FREE Parking ALL weekend!
February 2 & 3
Opening Night February 1
Downtown Fort Myers River District
Support the arts in this gathering of art connoisseurs just like you as you enjoy all the benefits of being a VIP.
Art for Everyone
Enjoy and purchase some of the best artwork exhibited anywhere in Florida by
200 Nationally Known Artists
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VIP Tent on Opening Night, Friday, February 1st
ADMISSION & EASY PARKING!
Overlooking the downtown waterfront and glorious sunset
– Gourmet hors d'oeuvres from 8 fine restaurants – Wine and Beer / Live entertainment – 70 fabulous artists
Many artists not frequently seen in Southwest Florida!
VIP Tent Saturday & Sunday, February 2nd and 3rd
Kid’s Activities Food & Entertainment
Garden setting overlooking the downtown waterfront
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ArtFestFortMyers.com
Artist Kimber Fiebiger, Sculpture
– Mimosas, coffee and scones to start your day – Catered specialty lunch / Afternoon snack bar – Wine, beer and more all day Sponsor & VIP Host – 215 fabulous artists
DON’T MISS THE BIGGEST ART EVENT OF THE YEAR! VIP Party is an outdoor tented event - rain or shine!
Reserve your tickets!
ArtFestFortMyers.com GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 75
Let your beauty blossom... again Turn back time at the Center for Cosmetic Surgery. Facial rejuvenation procedures are our specialty, renewing your beauty and refining that bestowed by nature. Open yourself to a new world of confidence... and let your youthful essence blossom once again.
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76 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
grand | TIMES
ARTS ON TAP The Alliance for the Arts welcomed more than 300 artists, arts supporters, beer lovers and cultural philanthropists to its Arts On Tap Fundraiser on October 20. The event raised over $40,000 to support the Alliance’s mission to transform lives and improve our community through the arts.
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Photos special to Grandeur
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1. Cesar Aguilera, Cheryl McDunnah Logan, Dale Ocasio and Stephanie Davis 2. Pierce Augustenborg, Lexi Augustenborg, Lee Golden, Michelle Golden, Sara Fitzpatrick and W. Jeffrey Mudgett 3. David Acevedo, Xavier Brignoni and Lydia Black 4. Dean Piccirillo and Cantrella Canady 5. Joyce Clark, Jillian Clark, Norah Miller and Jessica Clark Wisdom 6. Natalie Van Horn, Angela Schivinski and Mike Owen 7. Ian Keith, Melissa Vogt and Jordan Veit 8. Dislandys Acosta Bravo and Rich Bravo
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GRANDEUR | DECEMBER 2018 | 77
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Hit refresh on your home with tips from Southwest Florida’s brightest experts in home design and decorating.
78 | DECEMBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
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