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CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2019
16 GRAND FACES
Peter Rizzo, owner of Natural Wines Naples, specializes in wines that are made the old-fashioned way, and Sister Maureen Kelleher recalls a lifetime of helping others through law.
24
24 DINING
Matthew Kragh, of MHK Architecture and Planning enters the dining scene with Timeless, and it’s stunning.
33 WINE & FOOD FEST
The 2019 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest sets its sights on improving mental and behavioral health for children with this year’s fundraiser and exquisite auction items.
63 MAKE IT A DOUBLE
14
The expertly crafted cocktails and awardwinning jazz artists at The Barrel Room in Fort Myers produce a vibe reminiscent of the Prohibition Era
16
67 OPEN DOOR
Tour the Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club home of SWFL Wine & Food Fest’s Brooke and Patrick Denson.
67 IN THIS ISSUE
63
12 Editor’s Letter
29 Pets
53 Grand Ride
14 The Colors Page
40 Getaway
60 Grand Case
20 Model Behavior
50 Fashion
72 Grand Times GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 7
Look Like You Spent A Lot!
CELEBRATING THE GOOD LIFE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Part of the USA TODAY Network | Volume 17, Number 5
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, Stephen Hayford, Logan Newell, Chris TIilley
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 Anthony Enright aenright@grandeurmagazine.com Director Circulation Distribution Jim Keeble jkeeble@gannett.com
Circulation Support and Logistics Manager
Cheryl Cushman ccushman@gannett.com
Distribution Manager Brian Franz bfranz@gannett.com
MIROMAR OUTLETS OVER
140
GIFT CARDS MAKE THE
®
ON THE COVER
Perfect Gift
TOP DESIGNER AND BRAND NAME OUTLET STORES AND AN ARRAY OF RESTAURANTS
Internet sensation Balou Blue brings joy to people at memory care facilities throughout Southwest Florida. He also uses his star power to shine a light on the plight of shelter dogs. Read more about his story on page 29. Photo by LOGAN NEWELL
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.
8 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
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www.cedarchestsanibel.com 10 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
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grand | EDITOR’S LETTER
love \'l v\ noun
noun: love; plural noun: loves 1. an intense
Kathryn poses, on location at the Waterside Shops in Naples, wearing an Altuzarra long sleeve wrapped shirt dress provided by Saks Fifth Avenue.
12 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
PHOTO BY BRIAN TIETZ
D
feeling of deep affection.
uring this month of passion, romance and of course roses, I started to think about the word itself and all the different meanings “love” can express. There’s the love of a soulmate, that devoted companion who gets you at your very best and during your lowest moments, always supporting you no matter what. There’s the loving bond of siblings. The shared experiences sustain us when we’re feeling lost or need the ear of someone who’s traveled the same road. There’s parental love, that consuming emotion that starts the moment you set your eyes on your child. This protective and nurturing emotion evolves into the type of love that makes you proud of their independence as an adult. Some find this word rolling off their tongue for anything that excites them in the moment, like a new ruby and diamond ring like the stunner from Dunkin’s Diamonds on page 14, or a classic cocktail, like those served up at The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, page 63, or the fresh cuisine found at the Timeless Eatery, page 24. And what’s not to love about February in Southwest Florida. The weather is perfect, with crisp, humid-less days and chilly nights, affording the opportunity to enjoy all that this area has to offer without sweating through it. February in our area
also brings the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, this year being held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort. Every year, hundreds of people sip, sample and bid on exciting auction items that benefit the SWFL Children’s Charities, making it one of the most successful charitable events in our area. For more about the wine fest, see page 33. While we’re on the subject of love, you’ll instantly fall in love once you meet Balou Blue, our Grand Pet this month, page 29. This French bulldog and Instagram sensation is a certified therapy dog specializing in memory care. Visiting senior living and private homes, his visits bring happiness to those in need. As a Cuban-American I’d have to say love and passion make up a good part of my DNA. I’m deeply passionate in the way I love my family and closest friends, I’m passionate in the way I love what I do for a living and I’m passionate about discovering new things about myself as I continue to grow older. So, in this month of “love” what defines this word for you? The answer may surprise you. Until next time …
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
Star style
Fiery femininity
• Among the most precious gems in the world, the ruby elicits passion and power. It has been a symbol of luxury, beauty and wisdom for centuries. Dunkin’s Diamonds wraps it all around your finger in this 18-karat gold ring with a 1.66-carat oval ruby surrounded by diamonds, .78 total diamond weight. $7,599 at Dunkin’s Diamonds.
Eye of the tiger
• Nothing purrs like a Harley-Davidson. Add the iconic peanut tank in bright red and you’ll be turning heads all over town. The bike itself is sleek and slender, featuring fat tires, the signature bulldog stance and 1200 cc of torque. Adjustable rear suspension, floating rotors and powerful brakes provide plenty of handling and comfort. For price, contact Rockstar Harley-Davidson in Fort Myers.
• This versatile bag, which converts from backpack to cross body, is the perfect size for a variety of outings — and it screams cool with fire red leather, star quilting detail and gunmetal hardware. It’s a season must-have. $228 at Jennifer’s in Fort Myers, jennifersfortmyers.com.
red GO
N
o color quickens the pulse like red — thus its popularity around Valentine’s Day. Its hues, from fire engine red to deep ruby, evoke passion, desire and excitement.
Red also symbolizes strength and luxury. It energizes people like no other color and makes us fall in love, whether with our leading lady or a cherry red Harley. This season, indulge in its decadence and give in to red’s reign. — PAMELA HAYFORD
Sealed with a kiss • The hat conundrum:
Where to put your stylish brimmed accessory when you’re not wearing it? Say when you’re shopping or catching lunch? The patent leather Toptote, which looks like a cheeky bag tag, hangs from your purse strap and features a magnetic clasp that can hold up to two hats depending on brim thickness. $48 at lindsayalbanese.com.
14 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
Love your sweetie •
Lavish your sweetheart with the 2019 Valentine’s Day Collection by Norman Love Confections. Called Forgotten Love, the artisan collection features premium hand-crafted confections in new and returning flavors, such as Chinese Five Spice, Cinnamon Roll, Crème Catalan, Cupcake, Florida Orange, Kahlua, Passion, Pink Lemonade, New York Cheesecake and Vanilla Rum. The 24-piece box, $58, also includes the Signature Collection. Available February 1-14 at Norman Love Confections’ chocolate salons in Fort Myers, Naples and Estero and at normanloveconfections.com.
Turn up the heat •
Superior cooking • Your stove can be as beautiful as you are. The Superiore Deco
Series freestanding gas range in bright red is an eye-catching addition to a foodie’s dream kitchen. Even the 36-inch version features six burners for maximum flexibility. Its extra-large oven is equipped with convection fans to evenly circulate heat. Other features include one-hand ignition knobs and an analog thermometer in retro styling. The Superiore Deco Series range starts at $5,500 (36-inch), available through Design Studio by Raymond in Naples (48-inch shown here), designstudiobyraymond.com.
Movie directors often dress their star in red at pivotal moments when they want all eyes on her. This cold shoulder cocktail dress by Marchesa Notte will certainly draw attention at your next soiree. $795 at Marissa Collections, marissacollections. com.
Touch of baroque
• Wrap Versace’s gold buckle wide leather belt around a simple ribbed knit turtleneck atop a midi skirt for a classic, elegant look. The elaborate baroque buckle really pops against the contrast. $775 at Marissa Collections, marissacollections.com.
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 15
grand | FACES
GOING THE
NATURAL
ROUTE
— WITH
WINE
Peter Rizzo of Natural Wines Naples specializes in vintages made the old way.
Peter Rizzo is the owner of Natural Wines Naples. Rizzo became a part of the Natural Wine Movement in the 1990s while importing wine. He learned the traditional way of producing wine over the modern techniques that catalyze the process through the use of sulfur, fertilizer, and pesticides.
16 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
STORY BY GINA BIRCH | PHOTOS BY SRIJITA CHATTOPADHYAY
ine has been a part of Peter Rizzo’s life, well, his entire life. The owner of Natural Wines Naples grew up with two Sicilian grandfathers who made wine. “One of my earliest and fondest memories,” he says, “was accompanying one of my grandfathers on a visit to the train yards in south Boston where he went from boxcar to boxcar tasting the newly arrived grapes from California, chewing and spitting, chewing and spitting.” Wine was part of the family culture. “When we were young, we got a small glass with a little wine mixed with ginger ale,” he says. As he got older the ratio changed. “When we finally got a little glass of only wine, we thought we had arrived,” he says with a laugh. Working in marketing and advertising in Boston in the ’80s, Peter was recruited by a group of investors to run a wine import, wholesale and retail business that they had purchased. Importing wine from every continent, when economic sanctions in South Africa were lifted in the early ’90s, Peter says, “I was the second American to get on a plane, go down there and source wines.” Eventually his company dismantled, and Peter relocated to Naples with no aspirations of getting back into the wine business. However, when sharing his collection of unique bottles with local wine enthusiasts, he realized there was both a void and demand in the market for artisanal wines and someone with the background to connect all the dots. “Florida was a big wine market in the early 2000s — big names and big labels,” Peter says. “But that was a very narrow universe of what was actually available.” So he opened Old Naples Wholesale Wine and focused on smaller producers, using his knowledge and connections to get wines no one else had. He still traveled to Boston for business, as well as New York and Los Angeles to visit his daughters. In those bigger markets, he began noticing a wider availability of natural wines, a niche category he used to import, had a unique knowledge of, and an affinity for. “I decided the time had come to single-mindedly try to introduce these wines to Florida. The same way artisanal wines were not widely available in the early 2000s, in 2015 when I had this idea, natural wines were virtually nonexistent down here,” the entrepreneur says. Today he says he operates the only natural wine store of its kind in Florida. Natural wine refers to the way wine was originally
made, going back thousands of years, without additives such as sugar, dyes and other chemicals. The yeast is not manufactured, and no pesticides are used. The wines are made only with grapes and their native yeasts, nothing added and nothing taken away. “I’m not riding a wave,” Peter says. “I had the distinction, honor and good fortune of working with the founder of the movement in the ’90s.” That was in Beaujolais, France, with Marcel Lapierre, considered the father of the natural wine movement. “Lapierre recruited his ‘gang of four’ cohorts to follow his lead in making wine not like their fathers had made but going back to how their grandfathers made it, before World War II,” he says. The big shift occurred after the war when pro-
duction became more mechanized. Technology and additives were introduced to create a more predictable product from vintage to vintage. Even though Peter began importing wine from Lapierre and his “gang of four” decades ago, he is even more passionate about them today. He spends time educating customers and is putting together a booklet that explains the history, process and benefits of drinking natural wine. The collector of fine wines now finds it difficult to drink anything but natural wines, saying, “They are all I drink because I don’t feel good anymore after drinking conventional wine.” He says the chemicals, additives and residues found in most conventional wines are harder for his body to process and metabolize now; many of his regular customers agree. Natural wines can have unusual aromas, small particles (they are not filtered) and sediment, causing uncertainty for some wine buyers. However, those particles contain the flavonoids, resveratrol and other compounds that researchers claim are healthful in wine. They taste fresh, bright, and without being manipulated, are generally lower in alcohol. While the wine lover has detailed, handwritten notes hanging on tags from every bottle in his store, the proof is in the pudding. Stop by for a taste on Saturday afternoons, but beware, Peter warns with a grin, “They are habit forming.” GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 17
grand | FACES
Sister Maureen
RETIRES
A
But even at 80, her monumental work in immigration law will continue.
fter helping thousands of the area’s most vulnerable people, Sister Maureen Kelleher is retiring. But the 80-year-old nun and attorney is not going to stop working. She just plans to do it without pay now. “I love the people,” she says. “They are hardworking. They have family values. Many of them have very strong faith, and they are committed to making their children’s lives better than what they knew.” Sister Maureen came to Immokalee in 1984 and hasn’t stopped being a campaigner for the undocumented and needy. She’s helped children grow up with their fathers instead of seeing them deported. She’s helped victims of abuse find security here instead of returning to dangerous homes. She’s helped children stay safe instead of being sent to countries where they are forced to be in gangs. Her path to this work took many twists and turns as various events sparked changes in her life plan. Sister Maureen grew up in Pelham, New York, with her mother and three sisters. Her father died when she was 4 years old. After high school she decided to become an English teacher and went to Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York. “It never occurred to me to examine this,” she says about being a nun. That changed her senior year of college. “I was on a retreat, and I had a wow experience,” she describes. “I was standing in a snowy field with rocks, and I was feeling, ‘I am not sure where I am going,’ and I had a certainty that came over me.” That feeling led her to become a nun. She went to grad school in Garden City, New York, while also teaching school. She later taught school in the Bronx. Her life changed again when she heard a bishop talking about some nuns starting a group to lobby Congress. Soon she became one of the original members and the editor of the
newsletter for Network, a Catholic social justice group that lobbies for the working poor in Washington, D.C. “There were a lot of poverty issues,” she says. This sparked her to realize there were better ways for her to help the poor. “Working as a lobbyist, I saw what law could do,” she says. She headed to The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., for law school. While there she heard about the farmworkers in Florida. “I had been teaching about Cesar Chavez and Albert Schweitzer, and I thought I really should get up and do something,” she says. That led her to a small legal aid office in Immokalee in 1984. “That year the little store on main street became bankrupt, and farmworkers were saving their money in that store, and when they went bankrupt, the savings of the farmers was gone,” she says. “We ended up getting a lot of contributions from all over the county, and I thought this was a happening place.” Since then, Sister Maureen has fought pro bono for impoverished farmworker families from Haiti, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico. Many came here to escape extreme poverty, an earthquake, organized crime, political uprising or sexual abuse. She helps them gain temporary protected status and aims to make them permanent legal residents. She worked for Florida Rural Legal Services until 1996 when laws changed stipulating that one of its sources of funding, the Legal Services Corporation, could only fund work if clients were already legal residents or citizens. “And I had hundreds that were in the process of getting political asylum claims,” Sister Maureen says. “When this came through, I had a huge number of Haitians that left Haiti because of the coup. Their stories were atrocious. They really had good claims.” She and three other attorneys began Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center. It wasn’t easy.
STORY BY ANDREA STETSON | PHOTO BY STEPHEN HAYFORD
18 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
“We approached the Florida Bar, because we needed funding,” she says. “We were told they could fund groups in Miami, but not in the sticks in Immokalee. I felt like I was diving off the diving board and there is no water in the pool.” She opened her Bible and prayed for help. “By the time the bar association met again, there was water in the pool,” she says. “I found out I would get the funding.” In 2005, Sister Maureen took a job as managing attorney with a new corporation, Legal Aid Service of Collier County. It almost didn’t happen. Right before starting her new job, she was in New York and felt sick. A visit to the hospital revealed that she had peritoneal cancer. “The whole bottom cavity of my body was filled,” she says. “I was discovered with cancer, and I was going to die. “The nuns prayed. When the surgeon opened me up to get me ready for surgery, there was nothing there. The surgeon had never seen anything like this. I used to walk in the convent and wonder if it was her prayer that did it or her prayer that did it.” The healthy Sister Maureen returned to Immokalee and Legal Aid and hasn’t stopped working since. She has helped with big trendsetting cases, such as helping farmworkers prove they worked enough days to fill a requirement to become eligible for temporary and then permanent residency. But she has also helped countless individuals keep their families together and stay in the U.S. She prevented a young man with kidney problems from being deported. “He took my heart, because he came here as a 14-year-old kid and never went to school and went right into farm work,” she says. She helped a lady who was beaten by gang members in her home country get asylum. “There was a gay young man facing deportation, and for him to return to El Salvador was a death sentence,” she says. “We got him out (of detention), and now he will have a work card.” Although she works long hours, she stresses that it is not a one-person job. “It’s not me,” she explains. “It’s a team. There is a team here.” Sister Maureen has seen those she’s helped in the past get out of the migrant fields and open their own small businesses. Even at 80, Sister Maureen keeps fighting for the people she loves to serve. She says she’s retiring so another attorney can be paid to help. In December, she packed up her office and moved file cabinets. “I am not going to stop now,” Sister Maureen says. “I am just going to work for no pay. I love what I do. I have the health. I am retired as of January, but I still have clients for legal aid work.”
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 19
20 FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
grand | MODEL BEHAVIOR
Luxury that’s a bit
DIFFERENT The Persano model by Carlton-Naumann Homes brings luxury and convenience in every detail.
T
he new Persano is luxury living from its 400-pound iron front doors right down to the toilet paper holder. It’s a home that was designed with out-of-the-box thinking creating unique details aimed at making life easier. That convenience begins outside with a half circle driveway and a fourth standalone garage that can be converted into a man cave, fitness room, additional bedroom suite and more. The unique upscale living continues as one walks through the tall double doors. “Each leaf weighs 400 pounds,” says Mark Naumann, founder and owner of Carlton-Naumann Homes. “We needed a forklift to move it in.” Beyond those doors is a foyer, but unlike most floor plans where the foyer goes straight into the house, this one has a large picture window facing the pool and yard straight ahead with the rooms opening off to the sides. “It’s different,” says Carrie Cross, project design coordinator. To the left is the spacious family room, kitchen, dining area and wet bar with 9- by 48-inch plankstyle porcelain tile that looks like gray and brown
wood. Above, box wood beams made from stained pine decorate the ceiling in the great room, dining area and den. When Carrie designed the interior, she looked for ways to make living more convenient. Almost every home with a kitchen island has bar stools around it. But Carrie went in a different direction. She put banquette seating that faced away from the L-shaped island and added a table in front of that. “Most of the time people’s backs are to the TV and the backyard, and this way you look out at the backyard and the pool and you can see the TV,” Carrie explains. A second island that houses the wet bar does have the more traditional stools. “I am usually looking for something to do a little different, even if it is a little risky,” Carrie says. The kitchen has side-by-side double ovens with one door hinged left and the other right. “You are not bending down or reaching up like in those double ovens that are on top of each other,” Carrie says. Carrie added an unusual galley sink. It’s 4 feet long and has sliding inserts. One holds a colander, the other a bowl. Additional inserts can be added. Carrie says this is convenient for draining, straining and
STORY BY ANDREA STETSON | PHOTOS BY CHRIS TILLEY CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The family room in the new Persano has a modern look, but the designer added artwork of a horse on the wall to tie it into the community, which is zoned for horses and has houses set on one acre lots. • The designer wanted people to face the outdoors when eating at the kitchen island. So instead of stools facing the kitchen, she put seating facing away from the island and added a table so everyone faces the scenery. • The built-in cabinets in the den were created by using drywall to frame the shelves and cabinets. Barn doors leading to this den keep the horse country theme alive even in this modern setting. • The master bedroom has synergy wood behind the headboard of the bed and all the way across the ceiling over the bed. The designer says it gives the spacious room a cozy feel. GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 21
grand | MODEL BEHAVIOR
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The hallway leading to the master suite has large windows overlooking the lanai. • The Persano is in the exclusive Shenandoah community in Fort Myers. The developer is now finishing the last of the 21 homes there. • There is a pool and fire element outside the Persano. The developer says a spa and roll down screens and shutters can be added. • The outdoor living area includes a comfortable sitting area, dining area, outdoor kitchen and pool.
preparing food at the sink. Another cool effect is that the plumbing is on one side of the sink, so right below there is room for two drawers. A barn door leads to the walk-in pantry. Another barn door leads to the den. From a photograph, Carrie had custom-built cabinetry recreated in the den by using drywall to frame shelves and areas for cabinets. Behind the kitchen is a very large mud room. It has a long white bench, hooks and storage areas and is just beyond the garage door. The nearby laundry room has an extra refrigerator. Carrie added three laundry bins tucked under a cabinet for laundry sorting. Additional creative thinking went into the master suite. It has sliding glass doors that lead to the lanai and French doors that lead to a section of the lanai separated by a wall to give the owners privacy. Synergy wood leads up the wall by the headboard of the king-size bed and stretches all the way across the ceiling above the bed. “I wanted to give the bed area a more cozy feel,” Carrie explains. White barn doors lead to the master closet. The detail aimed at style and convenience continues in the master bathroom where the floating vanity has LED lights underneath. One of the smallest yet quite useful features is the toilet paper holder. It has a glass shelf on top. “That toilet paper holder is one of my favorite finds,” Carrie says. “I liked it so much I put one in my home.” 22 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
Since the toilet is in its own little room, the little glass shelf above the holder is handy. “You can put your cell phone on it or as Mark says, a beer,” she says jokingly. Carrie added a strip of outlets in the cabinet under the sink to add convenience for people who want to keep their hair dryer or curling iron plugged in but don’t want it to clutter the countertop. On the other side of the home are the guest suites, all with king-size beds. One guest room has sliders that lead to the lanai. The other faces the front of the house. This second guest suite has a bathtub in the bathroom. “We always have a tub in one of the guest rooms,” Carrie says. “It’s good for the kids or grandkids.” Another guest room is a cabana suite with doors that lead to it from the lanai. Carrie explains this makes a great room for a teenager or for guests who might be staying a while. The lanai has a sitting area, dining area, outdoor kitchen, pool and fire element. A spa, roll down screens or shutters can be added, Mark says. The second floor features a large bonus room that can be converted into a fifth bedroom suite. In the model it has a couch, television, pool table and game table. A Scrabble board with letters spelling out Persano and CNC Homes sit on the table. A chandelier that looks like batons sticking out in all directions hangs above. “It is just to be a little different. I like it to feel cozy and warm. Probably in a lot of models it looks too pristine, and
I want this to look like you can just plop down here with your family.” Mark says the style works with aging. “Years down the road when fashions change, it is easy to change this by just changing the furniture,” he says. The Persano has four bedrooms, five full and one half bathrooms, a loft game room or fifth guest suite, and a four-car garage with a motor court entrance. It spans 4,650 square feet under air. The fully furnished home was listed at $1.895 million. It recently sold and is on leaseback for the next 18 months. Mark says he can build one for a customer for $1.55 million unfurnished. The home is in the exclusive Shenandoah community in Fort Myers. Mark developed Shenandoah, an enclave of 21 single-family homes each on 1-acre lots. He purchased the 44-acre cow pasture in 2002 and began building homes. He is now finishing up his last one there. “You don’t see this very often,” he says as he points to neighboring communities that pack homes more tightly together. Shenandoah has more of a country feel. Horses are allowed but not palm trees. “We want it to feel like the country,” Mark explains. Instead they planted shady lady black olive trees and oak trees to give it a more rustic look. “Lots of families live in here,” Mark says. “Resales don’t stay on the market long.” “And some people have stayed in here since the beginning,” Carrie adds.
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 23
grand | DINING
FORGET ABOUT
TIME AT
TIMELESS Restaurant founded by Naples architect Matthew Kragh breathes fresh air into the dining scene.
One the brunch menu, the huevos rancheros are the best in town according to Chef Nelson.
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T
imeless — MHK Eatery feels fresh, clean and cool when you walk through the doors. Those feelings create a similar expectation for what comes out of the kitchen and onto your table. Owner Matthew Kragh, founder of MHK Architecture and Planning, came up with the concept for the Naples restaurant. His award-winning design touches can be seen everywhere, bathroom included. The kitchen is open, so is the restaurant with an arced white ceiling that resembles a hangar, housing an interior of modern
rustic décor. David Nelson was in the kitchen at Truluck’s when Matthew recruited him to be executive chef. The chef asked for a few tweaks, including some outdoor space, and then went to work designing a menu that is best described as American fusion but constantly evolving. “I was trying too hard at first and had an artist block,” says the chef, “but now things are spilling out so fast, I keep updating the menu.” During the planning phase, the one nonnegotiable request from Matthew was pizza. So David traveled coast to coast, trying pizza in every major city from Seattle to Boston. “I found that all were similar in style with a pillowy crust,” David says. “But a coal fire is really hot
and makes a thin and crispy crust.” That is what you’ll find at Timeless, and it’s one of many things that sets the restaurant apart. There are a dozen artisan pies on the menu, all uniquely crafted, or you can build your own. We tried the Funghi, covered with Gruyere, wild mushrooms braised in garlic and olive oil, and a mound of truffled arugula. The crust is light but satisfying. Growing up in Minnesota, David’s grandmother inspired him to cook. She had a prolific garden. “Whenever we went to Grandma’s, there was a big elaborate spread,” he says. “I was always fascinated with how she transformed the things from the garden into what was on the table, fascinated by how tomatoes were turned into tomato sauce.”
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The smoked pork belly tacos are a Timeless staple, topped with kimchee pickled veggies. • The thick and juicy Timeless burger is served with shallot bacon jam and sharp cheddar. • Tenderloin is used for the steak tartare, served in a crisp gaufrette. • Coal fired drummies with a smoky blue cheese sauce is a signature appetizer for lunch or dinner.
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grand | DINING
David began working in restaurants as a teenager, served as a cook in the U.S. Army with the 2nd Ranger Battalion and eventually went to culinary school in Seattle. He puts his culinary spin on vegetables with sides such as General Tso’s Cauliflower and Bang Bang Brussels Sprouts. “The beauty is I can still steam them if someone wants; however, if you want flavor and excitement, I can dress them up,” David says. A signature Timeless lunch dish is French onion grilled cheese; the soup is transformed into a thick, rich sandwich. Sourdough bread cradles bacon (optional), caramelized onions, Gruyere, cheese curds and rosemary butter. Served on a heavy slate plate with a side of dense, roasted garlic-tomato bisque that is savory, spicy and herbaceous, it’s sharable so you can try more items. One of David’s go-to dishes is the quinoa salad with roasted corn, black beans, tomato and avocado in cilantro-lime vinaigrette. “It’s healthy but satisfying,” he says. “I don’t feel hungry after but not weighted down either. I eat it a couple of times a week.” The Caribbean shrimp and crab salad is another lunch favorite, with fresh greens, tropical fruit, candied cashews and delicate coconut-mandarin vinaigrette. Dinner features include juicy wagyu sliders, a wellloved chicken piccata and a bouillabaisse that keeps regulars coming back. “We have a lot of regulars. I want to stay fresh and interesting so there is always something new on the menu for them to try,” David says. The kitchen makes the food from scratch, cranking out dishes that David calls, “approachable but different,” adding, “The flavors may be recognizable but presented in a different way than you’re accustomed to.” The coal-fired oven is not only used for pizza but also frittatas during Sunday brunch; Saturday brunch is also coming. A sweet treat from his West Coast roots, David also serves up a mean Dutch baby, a kind of cross between a pancake and a popover. Or try the banana custard French toast. Nelson thrives under the pressure of the restaurant business. “I’m very critical of myself and my menu but I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished here so far,” he says. Dining options are varied with casual outdoor seating, a friendly bar area, a space suited for lounging and another that is more classic. Add to this the cool vibe and diverse menu, and diners are treated to an experience that is indeed “Timeless.” — Timeless is located at 90 Tamiami Trail N, Naples. For more information, call 239-331-4325 or visit timelesseatery.com. 26 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Timeless is located in North Naples. • Chef David Nelson is the creative mind behind the evolving dishes served at Timeless. • French onion grilled cheese is served with a bowl of thick tomato bisque for a decadent, filling combo.• The coal–fired pizza comes in a rainbow of toppings, the crust crisp and flavorful.
28 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
grand | PETS
Joy OF
Balou This French bulldog and internet sensation brings happiness as a therapy dog and just being his own loveable self.
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B
STORY BY ANDREA STETSON | PHOTOS BY LOGAN NEWELL
alou Blue has 175,000 followers on Instagram (@baloublue). A video of him lying on a pizza-shaped bed watching puppies play got 2.5 million views. The 26-pound French bulldog might be an internet star, but he is a dog that uses his popularity to help others.
As a certified therapy dog, he brings joy to dozens of people at memory care facilities in Southwest Florida. As an internet sensation, he brings awareness to the plight of shelter dogs and other causes. “We went to the shelter and took some toys, and on Instagram we put a shout out that they need toys for dogs,” says Balou Blue’s owner, Elisabeth Wilken. “We can show there are beautiful dogs there that need homes. We have to use our platform for something positive. So whoever we can help we want to.” Elisabeth also uses her dog’s platform to showcase Balou Blue’s therapy work. “We have inspired a lot of people to train their dogs for pet therapy,” Elisabeth says. “They write to us and tell us that.” Elisabeth brings Balou Blue and her other French bulldog, Aqua, to American House in Estero, to HarborChase of North Collier and 30 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
to other facilities and private homes. “He has really made a lot of dementia patients feel good,” Elisabeth says. “He has really given so much joy. We try to specialize in memory care, because they need it the most, and they seem to get the least people visiting.” Elisabeth says her dog is a natural at therapy and seems to know exactly what each person needs. She also finds it very heartwarming to see her dog bring so much happiness to others. “The way they react is unbelievable,” she says. “The reactions are anything from tearful — they will just sob and hug him — to happiness. They will rub their faces in his fur and cry for all the dogs they once had. Some will then tell me some stories of their memories about their dogs. They are just so happy. It feels good when we help other people.”
Balou Blue greets friends at American House Coconut Point, a senior living facility in Estero.
grand | PETS It also brings awareness about aging, Elisabeth explains. “I think I make people think about being old, about how sad and invisible you are when you have digressed with an aging mental illness,” she says. “I force people to see things.” Elisabeth didn’t originally plan for Balou Blue to be a certified therapy dog or an internet sensation. She usually adopted mixed breeds from a shelter but had always wanted a Frenchie. “They are unique,” she says. They have this quirky personality. They have these huge animated bursts of energy and then they pass out and sleep. They are so communicative. They are not too big and not too small. They are like this silly little quirky clown. They are just the best of everything.” She found Balou Blue in Puerto Rico. “When you want a Frenchie, it is really good to research, because it is a breed that can come with many health issues, so you want a very good breeder,” she explains. She chose her dog from a video. “There were four boys in the litter,” Elisabeth explains. “Three were fighting over a toy, and Balou was just sitting there watching like it was a tennis match. When the others were tired, he walked over and took the toy,
so I thought he is calm and he is smart. He is the one for me.” Balou Blue flew to Naples when he was 9 weeks old. Elisabeth says he was a very calm puppy. She got the idea of having a therapy dog from a personal experience. “I was in hospital, and a therapy dog came around,” she says. “When you are in hospital and you are missing your dogs, it is heartwarming. It just makes your day.” Balou Blue went to puppy training and then a course in pet therapy. “I realized he was just special,” Elisabeth says. “He had this calmness and love. I realized I needed to do the training with him. It is a great bonding experience. He was so easy to train. It is almost like he has the human gene.” Balou Blue can also be a typical dog. He loves playing ball. He and Aqua also love the pool, but they don’t swim. “They love to be on the floats in the pool,” Elisabeth says. “They are ball obsessed. Their favorite thing is snout ball.” Elisabeth has a video of snout ball: Her dogs stand on the side of the pool, and she throws them a ball, and they bounce it back to her off their snouts. “They are obsessed with each other,” Elisabeth continues. “They chew each other’s faces. They spend a lot of time just playing and wrestling.”
Videos of this are posted on Facebook and Instagram. Photos show Balou dressed up in holiday pajamas, a pumpkin outfit, a blue hoodie, wearing sunglasses, a Hawaiian lei and hula skirt and a gingerbread outfit. But Elisabeth says she doesn’t do that often. “He really doesn’t like it, so I just do it for Halloween and Christmas,” she says. “I don’t think any dog likes it. They just do it for us, because we like it.” She also shot a video of him zipping around the driveway in a remote-control car. “He did like that,” Elisabeth says. “But we don’t do that often. Most of it is just him being him. It is more natural.” Balou Blue is also a world traveler. When he was smaller and could still fit under the seat on an airplane, he traveled to Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy. Elisabeth is originally from London and spent most of her life in Germany. She has lived in Naples for the past three years with her special dog with the unusual name. “Baloo is from the Jungle Book,” Elisabeth explains. “Balou is of the exact same color and it was my favorite book as a child. When I saw him, he was silly and funny and quirky like Baloo. So I just changed the spelling, because I am British and the double oo reminds me of the loo. So I changed it to Balou. It’s the perfect name for him.”
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grand | WINE & FOOD FEST
WINE & FOOD THAT MAKES
A DIFFERENCE The 2019 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest focuses on improving mental and behavioral health for children in the region. — GRANDEUR STAFF
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 37
he plight of children’s mental health care in Southwest Florida is getting more attention — and more funding — through this year’s Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. The SWFL Children’s Charities Inc. event, which has raised more than $25 million for children’s health care over the past 10 years, will focus on increasing awareness, fostering understanding and raising money for children’s mental and behavioral health services in 2019. “We want to create a swell of support that will fuel a tidal wave of much-needed services for children,” says Sandy Stilwell Youngquist, president of SWFL Children’s Charities. “We’re also thrilled to announce our partnership with the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. With their expertise in grant-making, stewardship and processes for demonstrating measurable outcomes, they are the perfect partner to help us identify the beneficiaries that will have the most impact and show accountability to our donors, who we appreciate so much.” The foundation is equally pleased to partner with SWFL Children’s Charities. “The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest inspires so many to give generously to children in our region, and this year’s focus on funding mental and behavioral health is meeting a critical need in our community,” says Sarah Owen, president and CEO of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. “The foundation team looks forward to working with the board and local nonprofits to find innovative and impactful services to those most in need.” In Southwest Florida, about 46,000 children currently have or have had a serious debilitating mental illness, and more than two-thirds of young patients are families who are unable to afford the services they need most. This is just the tip of the iceberg, because many cases go undiagnosed and untreated. Nationally, families are waiting as long as 8 to 10 years from onset of symptoms to intervention, contributing significantly to the emergence of acute mental illness in young people and later in life.
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Photos special to GRANDEUR
grand | WINE & FOOD FEST
The grand event takes place at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa.
Debbie Toler, Christin Collins and Brooke Denson serve as co-chairs for this year’s event.
grand | COVER STORY
GRAND TASTING & LIVE AUCTION Following a successful tenth celebration at Quail West Golf & Country Club in northern Collier County, the 11th annual Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will be held at a new venue, the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs.
THE CHEFS
NINE NEW BENEFICIARIES SWFL Children’s Charities announced nine new beneficiaries of its 2019 fundraiser, thereby extending its reach throughout the five-county region. In support of a variety of children’s programs, including hunger, health, education and counseling, the new beneficiaries include: Blessings in a Backpack, Community Cooperative Inc., Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Florida Lions Eye Clinic, Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, Help a Diabetic Child Foundation, Hope Kids Care, Lighthouse of SWFL and Make-AWish Southern Florida. These beneficiaries are to receive a portion of the 2019 event’s proceeds, yet most of the money raised is to be directed to local children’s mental and behavioral health initiatives. With the event theme “Making Waves: Building Healthy Minds,” organizers are partnering with the Southwest Florida Community Foundation to allocate the
proceeds. With a 10-year history of raising $25 million for children’s health and education, SWFL Children’s Charities will also continue its support of Golisano Children’s Hospital and health care educational programs at Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College. “As the second largest donor to Golisano Children’s Hospital, SWFL Children’s Charities Inc. is truly invested in the future and quality of children’s health care, education and services throughout Southwest Florida,” Sandy says. “In addition to our new focus on mental and behavioral health, we’re thrilled to further extend the impact of this year’s Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest through our advocacy of nine new beneficiaries, and we look forward to making waves with another year of generous giving in support of our local children.”
Osmany Acosta, Seminole Casino
Harold Balink, Harold’s
Sean Deckter, CIBO
Allen Fisher, Shangri-La Springs
Ignacio Ortiz, Roy’s
Norman Love, Norman Love Confections
David Nelson, Timeless Eatery
Brian Roland, Crave Culinaire
John Sexton, La Playa Beach & Golf Resort
Andreas Singer, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
Anna Toole, SABORAM
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 37
grand | WINE & FOOD FEST
Vino En Portugal
THE
AUCTION
• On this eight-day private journey for four, experience the lush countryside, renowned wineries and old-world architecture of Portugal. The trip begins in the city of Lisbon where modernity and old-world charm fuse seamlessly. In the eastern region, known for its rolling hills and vineyards, savor local Portuguese cuisine and sip world renowned vintages from six wineries along the coast, including the beautiful walled gardens of the 18th century estates at the Quinta Dona Maria, once owned by King Joao V.
LOTS
Photos special to GRANDEUR
The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest is known for its extensive auction lots. This year’s selection includes fine wines, international travel packages and exclusive event access. The following are just a sampling. To see more auction lots, visit swflwinefest. org.
Luxe London
• History, charm and beauty fill this seven-day escape to London for four people. Guests stay at The Milestone, recently named the best boutique luxury hotel in London. Take a charming boat ride along the Thames River and down to the Tower of London, then visit the Houses of Parliament, including the Queen’s Robing Room and the special location where she places the Imperial State Crown before making her way to the House of Lords. Explore iconic London attractions with private chauffeured tours. After three days in the city, retreat to the historic Great Fosters Hotel and its 50 acres of gardens. Tour the Windsor Castle and Highclere Castle of Downton Abby fame, and take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the ancient oak trees of Windsor Great Park.
36 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
grand | COVER STORY
Coolest catch at sea
Beach getaway meets the big city
• Partake in a contrast of indulgences. You and a travel guest begin your trip enjoying the crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches of the Maldives Islands. Dive or swim alongside fish in sheltered lagoons and along ancient volcanic reefs just steps from your over-water villa. Get acquainted with the constellations as the adventures of the day move into star-filled nights with an opportunity to see the Southern Cross in a star-lit sky. Then, it’s on to Dubai, global city and business hub of the Middle East. Stay at one of the most exclusive resorts in the world, Jumeirah Al Naseem — the latest addition to Madinat Jumeirah — with views to Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, the world’s tallest building.
Escape to Wine Country A five-night stay for two couples in Husic Vineyards’ guest house, which overlooks the Stags’ Leap District of Napa Valley, includes breathtaking views of St. Helena and San Francisco. The 120-acre property has three hillside vineyards. Experience a flight tasting of Husic wines at Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley in Yountville, dinner at Bistro Don Giovanni, and a tour and private lunch and barrel tasting with Relic Winery’s esteemed winemaking consultant Michael Hirby. As keepsakes, take home a case of library wine 2013 Husic Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and two 3-liter bottles of your Relic Winery favorites.
Masters dream
• A must for the golf enthusiast, this up-close and personal experience is provided by PGA golfer Bobby Clampett. He will be your host for the weekend as you tee off with a three-night stay for four people April 12-15, 2019, at a private home in Augusta, Georgia. Join the gallery at the Augusta National Golf Club for the 2019 Masters and be part of the action as the professionals take on the final round. Along with access to the golf course, clubhouse, restaurant and bar facilities at local country clubs, and 24/7 concierge service, you’ll also attend the “Welcome to the Masters” block party barbecue celebration. Bonus: You and your guests fly with private airfare provided by Jet It.
Spend four days at the luxurious Zephyr Palace hotel, 1,100 feet above the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. See tropical rainforests and mountaintops. Relax on a private beach and take in the sunsets over the Pacific. Then join Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” star and U.S. Navy Veteran, Wild Bill Wichrowski, on a private offshore fishing excursion. Listen to stories of deadly king crab fishing in the Bering Sea while angling in one of the top sport fishing destinations in the world for blue marlin and sailfish.
An evening with Al Pacino Just when you thought you were out, this will pull you back in. Meet and spend time with Al Pacino, of “The Godfather” (and many other movies), in Beverly Hills. The trip begins with an exclusive and intimate lunch with the famous actor at his hotel before the American Icon Awards black-tie gala honoring him for his lifetime achievements. The evening concludes with a star-studded concert produced by 16-time Grammy Award winner David Foster. You’ll stay two nights at the posh Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on Rodeo Drive. Private round-trip car service will make you feel like a celebrity, too.
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 37
grand | WINE & FOOD FEST Cheryl and Dave Copham
HOW IT BEGAN Technically, the wine festival is in its teens. It was first held in 2003 as a Rotary Club event to raise funds for the Fort Myers chapter’s charitable causes. Club member Steve Machiz, M.D., was tasked with reviving the organization’s lagging fundraiser and was impressed by the astronomic success of the Naples Winter Wine Festival. “It was not unrealistic to expect we could raise 10 percent of what they made there,” he recalls. As a Rotary affair, it grew from a $75,000-generating event to $225,000. The second year, public relations professional Carolyn Rogers was hired to bring in her expertise. She owned Simplify PR and had a background in development with the Lee Memorial Foundation (now Lee Health Foundation). The festival was moved south to attract residents in affluent communities. Carolyn spearheaded publicity, and introduced Steve to her network of foodies and oenophiles. Having wine and food as the main event is a common ground for sharing a passion and pool-
2019 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WINE & FOOD FEST When: Noon, February 24 Where: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, 5001 Coconut Rd, Bonita Springs.
ing knowledge and experience. Carolyn introduced Steve to Dave Copham, a south Fort Myers resident who was a multi-year trustee of the Naples Winter Wine Festival. Dave explained that trustees pony-up significant dollars to defray operational costs, create and buy auction lots, and bring in vintners and dinner chefs. In other words, they do the heavy lifting. The biggest piece of the puzzle was choosing a main beneficiary that would attract bidding largesse, and forming a formal 501c3 nonprofit to accept tax-deductible donations and disburse funds. Dave lost interest in being a Naples Winter Wine Festival trustee, because all funds raised stay in Collier County.
Naples • Bonita Springs • N. Fort Myers • Fort Myers • Cape Coral
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IF YOU GO
Online: swflwinefest.org Tickets: $1,500 per person includes admission to The Grand Tasting & Live Auction.
Experience savory creations by local and national celebrity chefs expertly paired with vintners from the finest and most exclusive wineries. Raise your paddle at the spirited live auction and take home a spectacular travel escape, once-in-a-lifetime experience or help fund a children’s cause. Tickets for the celebration are available by calling 239-433-4260.
Not attending? You can still support the
Golisano Children’s Hospital by donating through swflwinefest.org.
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grand | GETAWAY
STORY BY JENNIFER THOMAS
UNTAMED, WILD&NATURAL Big Sky, big adventures and undiscovered gems await in Montana.
40 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
GETTY IMAGES
S
now is falling in Montana, known as the Treasure State, and a winter bounty is waiting to be discovered there. Although popular as a summer destination, Montana remains a relatively unspoiled nature utopia with wondrous mountain views, vast plains, charming small towns, two national parks and winter experiences for all. “While many travelers think of Montana for their warm-weather trip, the state’s diverse downhill ski areas, snow-covered forests, cozy lodging accommodations, lively cultural attractions, hearty culinary scene and two national parks say otherwise,” says Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development spokesperson Nicole Gonzalez. She says the state, nestled between the Pacific Northwest and the Great Plains, is one of the country’s most underrated winter destinations. Fort Myers resident Kim Sanders has visited Montana several times with her husband Mark and 12-year-old daughter Kat. “We visit Big Sky often. This destination is truly a winter wonderland. It is very white, quiet and tranquil,” Kim describes. “The Summit at Big Sky is our favorite place to stay as the accommodations are beautiful, complete with fireplaces in each room with slope-side picture windows of the mountain. We walked to the chair lift to have lunch at the top of the mountain gourmet restaurant and had an incredible ride back down to the base. Just unbelievable views.” One of the most memorable dining experiences for the Sanders
family was The Montana Dinner Yurt at Big Sky Resort set in the backcountry. A yurt is a traditional mobile tent structure. It’s toasty on the inside; however, the thrill of the ride to this dining destination is cold. “The snowcat yurt dinner was very unique,” Kim recalls. “It is set in a candlelit yurt that you can only access via snowcat or sled and the food is delicious.” For other dining experiences, Kim says, “All the local restaurants will pick you up for dinner and deliver you home safely. The driving conditions can be very dangerous. The food is phenomenal. We enjoyed lots of local game prepared perfectly and great wine pairings.” Montana has a variety of winter sports, including snowboarding, freestyle skiing and cross-country skiing. For guests traveling to Montana in the winter months, Nicole suggests a few experiences, including skiing or snowboarding, snowmobiling and partaking in the state’s natural hot springs. “During winter, natural hot springs provide a perfect complement to the state’s snow-centered activities, and travelers will find hot spring resorts in the towns of Anaconda, Boulder, Hot Springs, Jackson, Lolo, Paradise, Polaris, Pray, Saco, Sula and White Sulphur Springs,” she recommends. “Each of the resorts has a different style of accommodations, ranging from rustic lodge rooms to condos and cabins, as well as on-site amenities and offerings that include dining, spa and live music. Plus, many of the hot springs are known for their healing properties and are a perfect way to end a winter day.” For nonskiers, Nicole recommends travelers try snowshoeing, sleigh rides and dog sledding.
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 41
grand | GETAWAY
“Whitefish is a winter lover’s paradise, from skiing to sleigh rides to snowshoeing. Whitefish is the perfect place to discover winter in Montana.” — NICOLE GONZALEZ
“Driving your own dog sled was challenging and quite amazing,” Kim says. “The power of the dogs is crazy.” Open year-round, Montana’s national parks transform during the winter months into a wonderland of fresh powder with wildlife viewing and activity options that include cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Nicole describes one of the national parks, Yellowstone, as iconic, unforgettable, otherworldly, pure and picturesque. Another of Kim’s favorite experiences while vacationing in Montana has been snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park, which she describes as natural, adventurous, beautiful and tranquil. “We have done a private snowmobile tour in Yellowstone. Having your own guide on your own time schedule makes it very special,” she says. “Also, it was memorable having lunch at the lodge at Old Faithful and experiencing the eruption.” Nicole agrees that one of the best ways to see winter up close is on a snowmobile. “While there are plenty of trails to explore on your own, a guided snowmobile trip with an experienced outfitter makes the adventure easy for any experience level of sledder, as outfitters provide a snowmobile, helmet, gear and guide,” she says. “Most snowmobile outfitters operate out of the western portion of the state, with guided trips available in Glacier Country, Southwest Montana and Yellowstone Country. Be prepared for a beautiful winter wonderland. Snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park is a must. Explore the beauty of the park and enjoy the frozen waterfalls, snow-covered bison and gem-colored mineral pools.” For first-time visitors, Nicole recommends visiting the charming mountain town of Whitefish, home to Whitefish Mountain Resort, in western Montana, about 20 minutes from Glacier National Park. “Whitefish is a winter lover’s paradise, from skiing to sleigh rides to snowshoeing,” Nicole says. “Whitefish is the perfect place to discover winter in Montana.” 42 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
Skiing is one of the most recommended winter sports in Montana, with Whitefish being one of the recommended ski destinations. “Montana ski towns are known for their friendly and laid-back lifestyles, each with its own unique personality to discover between runs,” Nicole says. Montana mountain towns offer skiers all they could hope for in a ski getaway, especially those seeking a lesscrowded experience. “For travelers planning a winter getaway, downhill skiing is likely the first activity that comes to mind,” Nicole says. “In Montana, the snow comes early and often as the sky drops some of the lightest and deepest power across the Rocky Mountains, preparing the more than 15,000 acres of downhill terrain for the coming ski season. With 14 ski areas to choose from, it’s easy to fill your entire winter vacation with tree-lined runs, powder-filled bowls and expansive views at places like Red Lodge Mountain in Red Lodge, Discovery Ski Area in Philipsburg and Maverick Mountain in Polaris, as well as world-class terrain at Big Sky Resort and Whitefish Mountain Resort.” Whitefish Mountain Resort is home to 3,000 skiable acres and has jaw-dropping views of the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park. “Whitefish is known for the beautiful snow ghosts (trees covered in a thick ice called rime) that cover the slopes of Big Mountain, making skiing through many of the runs like gliding through a beautiful snow-covered wonderland,” Nicole says. Known for the “biggest skiing in America,” Big Sky Resort has 5,850 skiable acres, 36 lifts and 4,350 vertical feet, providing plenty of room for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and abilities. “New this year is the Ramcharger 8; the new 8-seat, high-speed D-line chairlift is the first of its kind in the world,” Nicole adds. “Plus, even on its busiest days, the resort’s wide terrain still offers two acres per skier.” However, if more off-the-beaten-path skiing and deeper powder are desired, Nicole recommends heading
to Lost Trail Powder Mountain and Discovery Ski Area. Situated on U.S. Highway 93 south of Darby in the Bitterroot Valley, Lost Trail Powder Mountain is celebrating its 80th ski season this year. “A local Montana favorite, Lost Trail welcomes snow early in the season, with fresh powder falling all winter long for an average of 325 inches of snow annually. No lodging is available on the mountain, but the nearby communities of Sula, Darby and Hamilton provide a wide variety of accommodations, dining options and local libations,” Nicole says. “Located about halfway between Big Sky Resort and Whitefish Mountain Resort — and one of the earliest mountains to open this ski season — is Discovery Ski Area near Philipsburg. Home to three faces that encompass 2,200 acres, Discovery has a variety of terrain that includes gentle runs, advanced groomed cruisers, mogul skiing and steep drops with deep powder.” When skiing Discovery, be sure to plan time to explore the revitalized mining town of Philipsburg and wash your ski day down with chocolate from The Sweet Palace and a locally brewed beer from Philipsburg Brewing Company, Nicole advises. When traveling to Montana, Kim also recommends absorbing nature, enjoying the snow and ensuring to try at least one winter activity that is not available in Florida. “I just love the mountains, the people, the random wildlife everywhere and the peaceful way of life in Montana,” she says. With over 147,000 square miles to explore, two national parks, anchoring the north and south parts of the state, there’s more to discover throughout Montana than most people dream, Nicole says. “Montana is a place people need to see to believe,” she says. “Untamed, wild and natural, discovering spectacular places comes easy to travelers. The backdrop for adventures — mountains and valleys, bears and bison, waterfalls and trout streams — will simply leave any visitor in awe.”
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Talis Park’s award-winning Vyne House clubhouse
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Beach Shuttle, Sports Pub enhance Talis Park’s inspired lifestyle Talis Park, developed by Kitson & Partners in North Naples, continues to redefine Naples’ traditional country club experience. Anchored by its award-winning Vyne House clubhouse, long lakes, and the fairways of one of only two Norman-Dye designed golf courses worldwide, Talis Park offers a deeply meaningful way of life which emphasizes exclusivity, family, home, and tradition. “Talis Park is more about a whole lifestyle than just a place to live,” resident Laurie M. explained. “There’s always something to do. People are friendly, and the surroundings are beautiful.” Talis Park’s newest amenity, The Beach Runner, whisks members away to the pristine Vanderbilt Beach on the Gulf of Mexico. It is stationed at the Vyne House clubhouse, adjacent to the Great Lawn. Vyne House features various dining options, covered terraces, multi-purpose room, fitness studios, wine room, board room, and spa. A resort-style pool beckons with spacious pool deck and cabanas,
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plus a rotunda with two-sided fireplace overlooking the 18th green. The lower level hosts the golf pro shop and locker rooms. Vyne House received First Place and Best of Show honors in Golf Inc.’s 2016 Clubhouse of the Year competition. Casa Cortese, located on Talis Park Drive adjacent to the driving range, offers a great, indoor/ outdoor sports pub atmosphere perfect for relaxing after a round of golf. In addition to food and beverages, members enjoy multiple televisions, golf simulator, darts, billiards, and shuffleboard. At the community’s south end, its Sports Complex offers six lighted Har-Tru tennis courts with pavilions, pro shop and clubhouse, four bocce courts, lap pool, and playground. An enchanting green space provides a social area reminiscent of the Great Lawn. Tree-lined streetscapes offer an ideal setting for outdoor exercise while nature trails provide an opportunity to experience nature on a closer level. Talis Park’s Norman/Dye-designed golf course
includes 133 acres of carefully manicured Sea Dwarf Paspalum turf at varying heights. The course measures 7,025 yards from the championship tees. A picturesque landscape allows for uphill and downhill holes while providing a setting similar to the valleys of Tuscany, Italy. The course provides a backdrop for Talis Park’s neighborhoods of showcase estates, single-family, resort-style coach homes, penthouse-style condominiums, and terrace homes from the high-$600’s into the millions. Furnished models are available for viewing seven days a week. Prospective homebuyers may experience Talis Park by participating in its Gold Pass program. Gold Pass holders enjoy member status for two consecutive days, including one round of golf at the member-guest rate. For details, call (239) 2920846. For a personalized tour, visit the Garden House Information & Sales Center at 16980 Livingston Rd., 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
7:30 A.M. CORSICA | Bee needs a walk
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.
The Wyndam ll: A beautiful new Stock Custom Estate home 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 Custom Estate Homes like the Wyndam II in Pine Ridge Estates. Stock maintains a broad portfolio of homes available for immediate occupancy across all its designs. The company currently has dozens movein ready and soon to be completed homes available this winter season. “We’re proud to showcase our three tiers of excellence: Stock Classic Homes, Stock Signature Homes and Stock Custom Homes with 20 models in 11 different communities throughout Southwest Florida,” said Brian Stock, CEO of Stock Development. “Homebuyers may purchase a home and immediately begin enjoying Florida’s wonderful winter weather.”
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. A perfect example is The Wyndam II at Pine Ridge Estates, which features an extraordinary interior design by Soco Interiors. This four-bedroom plus study, four-and-a-half-bath home offers 4,323 square feet under air and 6,503 total square feet, including a two-car and a single-car garage and a golf cart garage. From the entry, you step into the formal foyer. Straight ahead is the nearly 22-by-20-foot great 46 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
room which has sliding glass doors that retract fully back providing uninterrupted access to the outdoor living area. To the right of the great room is the open kitchen with oversized island counter with sink and a breakfast bar. A walk-in food pantry is nearby. The breakfast nook is adjacent to the kitchen and has walls of glass that retract back in two directions, also providing access to the outdoor living area and outdoor kitchen. A short hallway near the breakfast nook leads to two of the home’s guest bedrooms. The first, which could be used as a bonus room measures 16 by 14 feet, has access to the outdoor living area, and has a full bath outside its door. The other guest bedroom, which measures nearly 14 by 14 feet, has a walk-in closet and its own private bath. To the right of the foyer, past the home’s formal dining room, is another short hallway which leads past the food pantry to the final guest suite, which also has its own walk-in closet and private bath. The laundry room and access to the two-car garage is also located in this area. To the left of the foyer is the study and master retreat. The nearly 20-by-13-foot study has a French door entry and a set of French doors that lead out back to the outdoor living area. A set of double doors leads to the master retreat. The bedroom, which is at the back of the home, measures 17 by 15 feet, but has an additional 11-by9-foot sitting area that overlooks the golf course beyond. From the master bedroom, owners walk past his and her walk-in closets prior to reaching the master bath with his and her vanities, a private water closet, oversized shower and separate centralized soaking tub. The outside living area is undercover and includes the gourmet outdoor kitchen with counter seating. Beyond is the freeform pool and spa. The Wyndam II is priced at $3,695,000, including furnishings.
Pine Ridge Estates is a non-gated community of single-family estate homes situated on large parcels. Located north of Pine Ridge and west of Goodlette Roads, this unique development offers both privacy and an out-of-town feeling in a central Naples address that is just a short one-mile drive to the white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. It is conveniently located near fine shopping and dining at the Waterside Shops and Mercato. Stock Development offers two additional series of residences from which homebuyers may choose.
STOCK SIGNATURE HOMES With distinctive architectural styles, luxurious interiors and extensive customization options, Stock Signature Homes’ spacious residences are inspiring both inside and out. These exceptional residences feature masterful finishes, distinctive interiors and spectacular outdoor living spaces—all the elegant appointments luxury homeowners crave.
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 welldesigned homes that deliver exceptional value. With Stock Classic Homes, homebuyers have the opportunity to select from a collection of welldesigned homes that deliver exceptional value backed by the solid reputation of an award-winning builder. Stock’s decades of experience produces homes with broad appeal that feature gourmet kitchens, fabulous outdoor living areas and beautiful master suites. To see all that Stock has to offer, please visit the Stock Development website at www.stockdevelopment.com. Email at info@stockdevelopment.com or call (239) 592-7344. Stock Development is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FLStockDevelopment.
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.
Q from the $400s to over $7 million
NAPLES MARCO ISLAND FORT MYERS SARASOTA PALM BEACH
Q
CLASSIC HOMES | SIGNATURE HOMES | CUSTOM HOMES
StockDevelopment.com 239.592.7344 FLStockDevelopment
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.
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Private Beach and Resort Amenities Define Miromar Lakes’ Extraordinary Lifestyle Residents of Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club often have to remind themselves they’re not at a five-star resort. That the cabanas on the white-sand beach and their favorite chaise overlooking the 10,000-square-foot zero-edge infinity pool are among the many luxuries of living here. So, too, are the facials and massages at the European-inspired wellness spa and a choice of restaurants serving gourmet and casual cuisine. That the lovely couple they met last night at happy hour will likely become BFFs. At Miromar Lakes, life is like a vacation every day … right at home. No worries of double-booked hotel rooms, crowded beaches or a long wait for a table at a favorite restaurant. And no checkout times! There’s always plenty of room to breathe—private beach included, tropical cocktail optional. Residents enjoy three-miles of meandering beaches, the 700-acre Lake Como for boating, water skiing, swimming, paddleboarding, fishing and other aquatic adventures, and the world-class services and amenities of the best resorts … championship golf, watersport and kayak rentals, tennis, bocce, personal concierge and more. Residents love their extraordinary Miromar Lakes lifestyle and ‘vacationing’ with some of their favorite people in the world—their neighbors. All within the comfort and privacy of their own home and a special place that is the only Florida community to receive the National Association of Home Builders’ Gold Award for Best Community and the only Gold Award winner ever for both Best Community and Best Clubhouse.
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At Miromar Lakes, the Italian and French Rivieras are woven into Florida’s tropical splendor. A place of sculpted hedges and formal gardens, picturesque stone bridges and luxury homes as exquisite as the setting. Life enhanced with amenities and a 365 days a year lifestyle defined by a dynamic social calendar filled with daily happy hour, special events, wine tastings, dancing, children’s activities and resident-led clubs.
Enjoying the water is often as simple as stepping outside to your boat in the backyard or visiting Marine Service’s two marinas, offering rentals, fishing guides and sunset cruises. Many residents arrive by water for lakefront dining and cocktails at the Blue Water Beach Grill and the Beach Clubhouse. The award-winning Miromar Lakes Golf Clubhouse offers a third dining option. Food and beverages are delivered to your poolside chaise and along the beach. The community also offers a fitness center, 50-seat theater, biking and walking trails, and the private Golf Club, a 2018 Distinguished Club featuring a lounge, wine cellar, a variety of dining options and Southwest Florida’s only Arthur Hills Signature Championship golf course. Homes at Miromar Lakes also inspire residents’ lifestyles. New-construction single-family opportunities include Grand Estates Homes, Beach Houses, Luxury Waterfront Villas and Golf Estate Villas with sweeping water, beach or golf course views and options for private boat docks. Eight designer-furnished model homes are now open for viewing – several offer immediate move-in – as well as many others under construction. Preferred builders will also design the home of your dreams. Discover Miromar Lakes’ resort lifestyle and Southwest Florida’s most award-winning community by visiting the Sales Gallery at 10160 Miromar Lakes Blvd., Miromar Lakes, Fla. For information, call (239) 425-2340 or log onto MiromarLakes.com.
Discover Southwest Florida’s Most-Award Winning Community
“A Hidden Gem” … “Absolutely Gorgeous” … “The Best-Kept Secret Overall” Judges throughout the country praise Miromar Lakes for its beauty, lifestyle and amenities. Set within 700 acres of sparkling freshwater lake, three miles of white-sand beach, Arthur Hills Signature Championship golf course, colorful gardens and lush landscaping.
Fountain Entry
3 Miles of White-Sand beach
Visit Miromar Lakes Sales Gallery today and discover luxury Grand Estate Homes, Beach Houses, Waterfront Villas and Golf Estate Villas.
Blue Water Beach Grill
700-Acre Lake
You can also explore online. MiromarLakes.com
THE #1 COMMUNITY IN THE USA* 189 AWARDS … AND COUNTING.
10,000-square-feet zero-edge pool
Bergamo Grand Estate Home by Divco Custom Homes
Sardinia Beach House by Seagate Development Group
Lugano Grand Estate Home by Fox Custom Builders
Arhtur Hills Signature Championship Golf Course
Portofino Waterfront Villa by London Bay Homes
NEW HOMES FROM $1 MILLION TO OVER $7 MILLION. MiromarLakes.com 239.425.2340 ~ 877.809.9444 ~10160 Miromar Lakes Boulevard, Miromar Lakes, Florida 33913 *National Association of Home Builders GOLD AWARD winner for Community of the Year – the only Florida winner in history – and Best Clubhouse. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATION OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS ADVERTISEMENT AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This is not intended to be an offering or solicitation of sale in any jurisdiction where the development is not registered in accordance with applicable law or where such offering or solicitation would otherwise be prohibited by law. Prices, plans, artist’s renderings, photos, land uses, dimensions, specifications, improvements, materials, amenities and availability are subject to change without notice. 0219-0299
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 49
grand | SHOPPING
LOVELY BAUBLES “If I had it my way, I’d wear jewelry, a great pair of heels and nothing else,” says actress and singersongwriter Jada Pinkett Smith. We can relate. Small but mighty, jewelry puts the finishing touch on a beautiful outfit. It makes a statement. It dazzles and elates. With that in mind, we found five pieces that make us feel spectacular. — GRANDEUR STAFF
Double beat
Devil in the details • It’s the little things
that please us so. This Daily Monogram bracelet by Louis Vuitton pays homage to the iconic Monogram Flowers with three-dimensional blooms against pink gold-color metal and LV initials at each end. $660 at louisvuitton.com.
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• If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, having diamonds and rubies in one beautiful statement piece is like finding your tribe. Nestled in a swirl of diamonds, .58 total diamond weight, a cascade of rubies captures the heart, 1.9 total gem weight, in this 14-karat white gold pendant. It’s enough to make your own heart skip a beat. $1,899 at Dunkin’s Diamonds.
Spring is coming •
Delicate and ultra-feminine, this rainbow moonstone and pink tourmaline bangle plays in the light in a way that only spring can. It’s a stunning addition to any outfit. $3,050 at Kathein Jewelers of Marco.
I’ll give you the moon • The stars align when you let Sylva & Cie’s ruby moon earrings dangle from your earlobes. The rubies total 14.6 carats embellished by .95 carats of diamonds in 18-karat yellow gold. $10,000 at Marissa Collections, marissacollections.com.
Wear it on your cuff • From The Cedar Chest’s
Estate Collection comes a beautiful statement of love. The 4-carat ruby cabochon is surrounded by about .70 carat total weight in diamonds set in a heart-shaped frame of 18-karat gold. Price upon request at The Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry, Sanibel.
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NOW ON SALE!
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PERFORMING ARTS HALL AT FSW
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BARBARA B. MANN
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’65 CORVETTE
BLENDS OLD AND NEW The restomod vehicle aims to steal the show at the Detroit Autorama. You can see it in Naples.
R
on Torp grew up in the Motor City where his dad owned a collision shop. His location gave Ron the chance to hang out at the Detroit Autorama, a showcase of custom cars and hot rods that began in 1953 with only 40 entries. The event really took off during the 11 years Don Ridler was the show’s promoter. Every
year since his 1963 death, the Best-in-Show winner has gone home with the prestigious Don Ridler Memorial Award. The very exclusive list of Ridler Award-winners includes car designers and builders Chip Foose, Jerry Pennington, Troy Trepanier and Bobby Alloway. Now Ron is modeling a Florida car competition after the famous contest.
STORY BY STEPHANIE BORDEN • PHOTOS BY SRIJITA CHATTOPADHYAY AND COURTNEY NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 53
grand | RIDE Photos by SRIJITA CHATTOPADHYAY
After moving to Naples, Ron got together with Sal Iannotta at the Iannotta Hot Rods shop, dedicating one year to building a restomod 1965 Corvette convertible to compete at the Autorama. “Restomod is a classification for original cars with upgraded engines,” Ron explains. His Corvette is custom-painted in Panalue Stone Silver with a red interior. A 350 Ram Jet fuel-injected engine with a Tremec 5-speed transmission crouches under the hood, ready to roar. Ron’s one-of-a-kind custom-built car has been featured in several car magazines. At the 2016 Corvette Homecoming in Bowling Green, Kentucky, it won its class along with Best Paint Job and the Celebrities’ Choice Award. His show-stopper and many other one-of-a-kind cars and trucks will be on display at the West Coast Muscle Car Club’s 15th annual charity Car and Truck Show on March 10 at the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt in Naples. According to club president Tim Warren, the club is a nonprofit organization that has raised $76,000 over the years to support the Shriners Transportation Fund, earmarked for transporting sick children to the Shriners Hospitals for Children — Tampa for free medical care. Ron is a former club president who introduced the Elite 8 event to southern Florida, modeled after the Detroit Autorama’s Great 8 competition for the Ridler Award. This past year, Ron has been on the lookout for eight exceptional high-end cars in southern Florida, inviting their owners to display their vehicles for the first time in the exclusive Elite 8 staging area. For the seventh year, Ron will bring in judges from the Detroit Autorama to interview the Florida Elite 8 competitors and examine their cars during the show. The winner will be announced at the end of the day. According to Ron, judges will evaluate each car for fit, finish and detail. “With fit, the judges are looking for no gaps where pieces fit together,” he says. “When they close the doors, they want a tight fit.” “Judging the finish involves evaluating the shine on the paint job and detail finish work in the engine compartment,” Ron explains. “And the judges spend a lot of time focusing on how well custom details have been executed on each vehicle.” 54 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
Ron Torp, the owner of a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette convertible, purchased the ride in 2014. After a year, Ron decided to rebuild the car to give it a better look. Since the rebuild, his car has won several awards.
Photos by COURTNEY NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
April Love’s rebuilt 1969 Camaro is a champion.
April Love of south Fort Myers is one of the car builders Ron invited to compete in last year’s Elite 8 event. She was the first woman whose car qualified, and the judges awarded her first place. Her champion Camaro is pictured on posters and T-shirts for this year’s show. April grew up in Palmdale, California, and began building her first car with her dad and grandpa when she was 17. “It was a yellow 1969 Mustang from the Los Angeles County speedway,” she recalls. “Someone had raced it and blown the engine. It was a mess!” The three bonded as they rebuilt that 302 Boss engine with its double fourbarrel carburetor. Afterward, April drove the ’69 Mustang for several years before selling it while attending college in Arkansas, a decision she still regrets. Years later, missing that car time with her now-deceased dad and grandpa, April and her boyfriend, Don McKinley, began searching for another American muscle car from 1969, the year she was born.
Don located a highly modified ’69 Camaro SS coupe for sale in Arkansas, only a two-hour drive from where April sold her ’69 Mustang years before. The owner had receipts proving he had invested $233,000 in a stunning rebuild that earned the car a feature spot on the Velocity (now the Motor Trend Network) cable channel’s documentary series “Chasing Classic Cars” hosted by Wayne Carini of F-40 Motorsports. “We knew immediately we had found THE car,” recalls April. “The undercarriage was as smooth and polished as the body, and there were only 300 miles on the engine.” Once it was hers, April made “Toxie” her own with a toxic orange custom paint mix and modifications, including the installation of a sunroof from a 2010 Camaro and carbon fiber inserts in the leather seats. April is well-known around the classic car circuit for her meticulous attention to detail as she pampers her 50-year-old Camaro. GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 55
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“I put Toxie up on hydraulics, so I can clean and wax the undercarriage and the body,” she says. “My engine is a 502 Ram Jet, and it’s all chrome. I had custom pieces made for the engine and the interior, and I keep them free of dirt and grease, buffing them and keeping them shiny.” She says that as soon as she arrives at a car show, “I will lay on my towel, put on gloves and remove by hand any road dirt the trip left on the undercarriage, the tires and the body. Then I clean the engine with a brush and Q-tips.” She says guys will often walk by her and jokingly say, “Hey, you know how to clean a car! Will you marry me?” Details about the March 10 West Coast Muscle Car Club’s upcoming show are available on the club’s website at westcoastmusclecarclub.com. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children younger than 12. Anyone who brings a new pair of shoes to donate also attends for free.
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There’s a new alternative to the busy Emergency Department Feeling sick during the week or weekend and can’t get in to see your primary care doctor? There’s a new alternative to the busy Emergency Department. Millennium’s Fort Myers & Cape Coral Walk-in Medical Centers are now open late and weekends to better care for you during all of life’s minor emergencies. There are no appointments necessary and wait times are much shorter than a typical Emergency Department or Urgent Care Center. The Walk-in is now accepting new patients, and you don’t have to be an established Millennium Physician Group patient to utilize the convenient services. Most insurance plans are accepted and
self-pay patients are always welcome. Millennium’s family-friendly Walk-in Medical Center provides treatment for all of your urgent care needs, such as colds, sore throats, flu, rashes and earaches. Our physicians also treat non-life threatening emergencies like sprains, abrasions, and burns. Our Walk-in Medical Center teams know that when you visit our Centers, you want to feel better quickly and without a lot of hassle. No need to wait in an emergency room or wait to schedule an appointment with your physician, the Walk-in Medical Center can see you today. Skip the Wait. No need to wait hours at a local
Emergency Room or busy Urgent Care Center. Millennium’s Walk-in Medical Centers now have a feature to allow you to view all of the wait times at their Walk-in facilities. You simply “skip the line” by pre-registering for a time that you would like to be seen for the day and essentially you get to “skip the line” when you arrive. If the provider is running behind you will receive a text message letting you know to come in a few minutes later, reducing any wait time. Log-on to www.MillenniumPhysician.com and select “Skip the Line” at the top of the webpage. View the wait times and get in line to feeling better today. To learn more about Millennium Physician Group, please visit www.MillenniumPhysician.com.
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NOW PATIENTS FOR PRIMARY CARE & SPECIALTIES
Connecting You to a Healthier Life 5 REASONS TO TO JOIN MILLENNIUM CHOOSE 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: 239-652-4711 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 9500 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
FREE FEBRUARY SEMINAR Are Lasers the New Facelift? Join us for a light lunch and presentation, followed by a valuable Q&A session with SW FL’s Facial Expert, Dr. Prendiville. He will explain the benefits of laser treatments, volumizing fillers and other aesthetic procedures. Also, find out the latest information on minimal incision surgeries, injectable facelifts, wrinkle reduction, skin smoothing techniques, and our newest Radio Frequency Laser, Infini ®.
Friday, February 15th at 11:30am Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club 14500 Vista River Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33908 Space is limited. RSVP Today
grand | WINE
Celebrate the month of love with wine
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lmost anywhere you look this month, you see shades of red and pink. February is not only American Heart Month but also Valentine’s Day. When I think of romance, a lot of things come to mind, many of them French in nature. That’s one reason why I asked chef Christian Vivet, owner of Bleu Rendez-Vous French Bistro on Sanibel Island, to help me fill this month’s case of wine. He just so happens to love wine, too.
Christian focused on three areas of France, picking two bottles from each. One selection is a splurge while the other is an excellent value. For a little fun, read his descriptions with a French accent. My picks are mostly based on the holiday theme of love with a couple of surprises thrown in. Together we present a range of options for your February celebrations, whether you are with the one or ones you love, or just love wine.
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The Sisters Pinot Gris $16 » While Valentine’s Day is most often marketed toward lovers, it’s also more than appropriate to express love of friends and family. In come wines from The Sisters. The New Zealand brand was created with the idea of celebrating women. Cheers! The wine smells like delicious stone fruits. It’s floral, fruity, acidic, and with additional time spent on lees (residual yeast) while fermenting in tanks, it has more weight than you might suspect. You might also suspect a New Zealand winery to make a zippy sauvignon blanc and The Sisters does indeed.
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Laurent Perrier Rosé $70 » February, the month of love. I love bubbles. If I want to splurge with my love, I open a bottle of Laurent Perrier Rosé. It’s a bottle that has prestige attached to it. When I think of Champagne with prestige, I also think of bottles like Dom Perignon or Cristal; they have a certain je ne sais quoi of a good bottle of wine. Also, this is one of only a few Champagnes that comes to mind when I think of a rosé. I really can’t think of any others like this; it’s good.
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GINA BIRCH
Gina Birch is the wine columnist for The NewsPress in Fort Myers. Follow her social media here: Twitter: @ginabirch Facebook: GinaBirch
Flor Rosé Brut $18 » A less expensive alternative to Champagne is prosecco, and this one has some star power behind it. Flor is made through a partnership with chef Mario Batali, restaurateur Joe Bastianich and his famous chef/ author mother Lidia Bastianich. The label is elegant, eye-catching and highlighted by the deep pink wine that comes from the Veneto region of Italy. Made from 90-percent glera and 10-percent Pinot Nero grapes, its fizz is light and delicate. On the dry side, the fruit includes, apple, peach and strawberry; a lovely way to start Valentine’s Day.
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Shooting Star Cabernet 2016 $16 » There’s nothing like catching sight of a shooting star when snuggling with your significant other. It’s the name that initially drew me to this California wine, but the lush red fruit kept me sipping it through the burgers and into the chocolate dessert at a recent dinner. As the wine opens, the red fruit turns darker and includes boysenberry. Herbs and tannins start showing up, too. If your beloved prefers a sweet wine, Shooting Star also produces a Riesling.
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CHRISTIAN VIVET Guest columnist, owner of Bleu Rendez-Vous French Bistro
Château Léoube Love $20 » I hate to be so obvious but seriously, a wine named Love? The big question I had was would I feel that emotion, or anything close to it, once I opened the bottle. I do tend to love rosé from Côtes de Provence, where this hails from, so the odds were good. Love is a fresh and fruity blend of grenache and cinsault, highlighted by flavors of raspberry and strawberry. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, Sunday brunch or a warm Southwest Florida afternoon regardless of the month.
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Margaux du Chateau Margaux $110 » With our chateaubriand for two, I would open a beautiful bottle of Margaux du Chateau Margaux. This is the third label for the famous Premier Grand Cru Classé Chateau in Bordeaux and a nice splurge on Valentine’s Day or any day really. It’s a highly allocated wine that you will only find in restaurants. I think there were only about 15 six-packs for the state of Florida, and I got some. It has all the characteristics of a big Chateau Margaux without the typically outrageous price. A big cabernet with a little merlot and cab franc, it has a robust aroma, heavy-duty for a French wine.
2010 Chateau la Cardonne, Médoc $23 » For a more approachable option to a Margaux Bordeaux, I would select a Cru Bourgeois, an excellent alternative to a costly grand cru. The 2010 Chateau la Cardonne, Médoc is a perfect example of a great value wine to be poured at any occasion. The grapes used in this are grown adjacent to Margaux, on the left bank, so it’s still a cabbased blend, just not as prestigious. They are still releasing the 2010 vintage, so it already has eight years in bottle, making it an easy drinking, good wine.
Puligny-Montrachet by Joseph Drouhin $65 » Wines from Burgundy are lovely, and this is one of my favorites. This one is not a typical chardonnay from the region. It has a little oak but not a huge amount; oak is not really big in Burgundy. The wine is fruit forward, and the fruit is nice and bright. It is also a little bit creamy and so well made. I would serve with vol-au-vent, a seafood dish with lobster cream sauce. It has butter and cream but still has nice light acidity. Mmmm, that’s a good food and wine combination.
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Voirin-Jumel Brut Tradition $35 » If I am looking for a more moderate bottle of Champagne, I open one from the Troyes region. Troyes is a tiny enclave in Champagne, just north of Paris. It’s where my mother’s side of the family is from, so I always enjoy finding wines from this area. This one is lovely, bubbly and perfect for an aperitif. It’s really easy to drink and even better is the price; it doesn’t break the bank. Voirin-Jumel is my go-to on a Sunday morning at home; as a matter of fact, it’s very pleasant any time of the day or week.
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Amado Sur $15 » In a taller than standard, slender bottle the Amado Sur name is a riff on Spanish for “Southern Love.” It alludes to the affinity between malbec and the spectacular growing conditions for the grape in Mendoza. After a trip to Mendoza years ago, I did indeed fall in love with malbec and am always in search of a good one. Amado Sur is easy to find and has small amounts of bonarda and syrah added. The result is a wine that has flavors of dark berries, dusty leather and a hint of eucalyptus on the backside.
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Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville $150 » This label has no obvious display of love, no hidden hearts; the romance, for me, is in the bottle. The more it opens, the more I fall in love with this wine. It’s an intense but balanced Napa Valley cab with minerals, black fruit and lots of structure. I’m still saving a bottle of the 2014, but the winery has released the 2015. Decant this one, sip and savor it over good conversation. Just the way your relationships evolve over time, enjoy how this wine evolves over time in the glass.
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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.
le Clos du Château de Puligny-Montrachet $30 » While having a nice dinner, I would certainly open a higherend white Burgundy, however, I recently discovered le Clos du Château de PulignyMontrachet, a baby Puligny-Montrachet and it is a fraction of the price of its big brother. Clos du Château is bourgeon blanc but made just a few yards outside of the Puligny-Montrachet appellation; same grapes and climate, but it’s just not in the appellation. You put them side by side, and you can’t tell the difference, except for the price. It’s a beautiful wine.
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A signature appetizer, the calamari is tossed with an addicting sweet Thai chili glaze.
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COOL TUNES The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro gives a rebirth to Prohibition-era vibe.
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eople drive from all over Southwest Florida to hear music from the awardwinning, national acts we have here,� says bartender Rachel Cameron about the Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro in downtown Fort Myers. It’s a destination spot for music, whiskey and classic craft cocktails made with the spirit. There are some 60 bottles of whiskey, bourbon and scotch on the shelves in all ranges and at modest pricing. For instance, a snifter of WhistlePig 15 Year is $32 and Johnnie Walker Blue only $38. The Woodford Reserve Manhattan is made with a small spoonful of Filthy Black Cherries and their juice placed in the bottom of the glass for just a touch of sweetness. A dash of chocolate bitters adds a nice finish. STORY BY GINA BIRCH PHOTOS BY LOGAN NEWELL GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 63
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“The origin of the cocktails we serve come from the Prohibition era,” Rachel says. “Since those days there has been a rebirth of the classics with the hipsters; they like the speakeasy kind of feel.” The Barrel Aged Old-Fashioned is made with Michter’s single barrel rye, Luxardo cherry liqueur, orange and aromatic bitters and garnished with Filthy Black Cherries. It’s warm and enjoyable. There are also classic cocktails with a twist, such as a Rum Sazerac; Pilar dark rum is used instead of traditional whiskey. Absinthe, creole bitters and simple syrup are added, resulting in a cocktail with flavors of licorice, vanilla and butterscotch. Some 60 craft beers are offered, and the taps have a variety of lagers, IPAs and local brews, as well as special releases from Goose Island, an homage to owners Denise and Steve Hollister’s Chicago roots. The Barrel Room is introducing a new menu this season full of sharable comfort foods and 64 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
snacks. Other appetizer favorites from the Twisted Vine kitchen include wildly popular calamari in a sweet Thai chili glaze. Brussels sprouts are another favorite, caramelized for a slightly sweet touch then topped with triple Brie and salty bacon. When it comes to entertainment, Thursday is all about jazz. “I didn’t realize this was such a big area for jazz,” Rachel says. “It’s amazing that we have Grammy Award-winning artists come through, and we usually only charge $5 at the door. If you’re not a blues follower, you will be when you leave.” The stage is intimate and the lighting dim; wood from an old barn in Ohio covers the walls. A cool vibe featuring classic cocktails, skillfully prepared with quality ingredients, the Barrel Room gives a lot of bang for your buck. — The Barrel Room is located at 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers. For more information, call 239-333-2225 or visit barrelroomfortmyers.com
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Behind the cozy bar you’ll find some 60 bourbons and whiskeys, and another 60 craft beers. • Classic cocktails and award–winning music make The Barrel Room a downtown hotspot. • Filthy Black Cherries are a highlight in the Woodford Reserve Manhattan. • A smoky bar appetizer, Brussels sprouts are caramelized, topped with brie and bacon • The Barrel Room’s Moscow Mule is made with Tito’s Vodka, ginger beer and lemon juice. • A Barrel Room twist on the Sazerac, this one is made with Pilar Dark Rum.
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The polished stainless steel accents on the custom range vent hood balance the hanging glass-and-chrome pendant light fixtures while centering the kitchen.
FOR LOVE& & COMMUNITY STORY BY CATHY CHESTNUT | PHOTOS BY SRIJITA CHATTOPADHYAY
Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest’s Brooke and Patrick Denson designed their home to be a place they love to live in and love to entertain in.
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lake. In Arizona, Pat and Brooke water-skied four days a week, awaking at 4 a.m. to get in a half hour of water time before cleaning up and getting to the office. Miromar Lake has provided plenty of ski time for the family, as well as wakeboarding, fishing, sunset cruises and lazy days along the shore. It was a safe destination for their four children — now 16 through 26 — to ride their bikes to for weekend adventures. “The amenities are amazing. Sometimes, you forget what’s outside Miromar. When you leave, it’s like, ‘Back to reality.’ They make it like it’s a vacation,” enthuses Brooke, 43. The Densons, likewise, are very social and threw their support into the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest after attending the sit-down dinner, tasting and auctions six years ago. They have served as trustees for four years, and this is Brooke’s second year as co-chair of the ever-growing event. In January, the couple welcomed 70 other wine festival planners and supporters into their home for a kick-off party. The size rivaled that of a private holiday gathering shortly after they moved into the 4,700-square-foot home in December 2017.
An open floorplan and copious natural light drove the design for the Densons’ home. Brooke Denson says she also likes a touch of bling in the accents, such as chandeliers and fabrics. “What girl doesn’t like sparkles?” she asks. And canine companions are most definitely welcome here. Bishon poodles Ginger and Tyson lounge in style, and the home’s traditional mudroom is the pair’s “dog room” featuring a bench for window views. 68 | FEBRUARY 2019 | grandeurmagazine.com
Photo courtesy of AURORA JADE PHOTO
ou can pick your house, but you can’t pick your neighbors — the people already living on the street. Brooke and Patrick Denson learned that long ago and, feeling a true sense of community and friendship, decided to stay in Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club when designing and building their new home. The Densons have lived in Miromar for 11 years, settling a year ago under their third roof — a custom home. They originally moved in 2007 from Arizona to Southwest Florida when Pat established the successful Estero Bay Chevrolet. The family with four children sought serenity and security upon moving into a new, unknown town, and discovered a whole lot more. “We’ve met some of our closest friends, best friends, at Miromar,” says Brooke, a real estate agent. “It’s an inviting community where people always have open doors and welcome you into their home. It’s a safe neighborhood, and a very social community.” A key allure was the 700-acre freshwater
Movement flows from the kitchen to the dining room to formal sitting areas to the lanai. Brooke worked with Arlynn McDaniel, ASID, senior lead designer at Freestyle Interiors, to create a light cream palate punctuated with blues and turquoise, sparkling crystal and chrome accents, vibrant artwork and dark-wood finishes. “It’s a high-contrast home,” Arlynn says. “The furniture has a very formal feeling but it is very comfortable and approachable.” Top right: The master bathroom is a favorite spot for both Pat and Brooke, thanks to its steam room and outdoor shower oasis inspired by a trip in Napa Valley. GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 69
Movement flows from the kitchen to the dining room to formal sitting areas to the lanai. Brooke worked with Arlynn McDaniel, ASID, senior lead designer at Freestyle Interiors, to create a light cream palate punctuated with blues and turquoise, sparkling crystal and chrome accents, vibrant artwork and dark-wood finishes. “It’s a high-contrast home,” Arlynn says. “The furniture has a very formal feeling but it is very comfortable and approachable.” Top right: The master bathroom is a favorite spot for both Pat and Brooke, thanks to its steam room and outdoor shower oasis inspired by a trip in Napa Valley. GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 69
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in a refrigerated credenza in the master bedroom.) The outdoor shower, a step outside a plantation door in the master bathroom, was inspired by their stay at Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley. It is surrounded by teak wood and river rock, open to the sky with a gurgling fountain behind it. It is one of Brooke’s favorite places in the home, followed by the kitchen and wine room. (Though the home office and washer and dryer tucked into their master closet is proof of her ability to multi-task and cut down on wasted space.) The kitchen and master bath, featuring a luxurious steam room, are also two favorites for Pat. The outdoor shower “was not negotiable,” he adds, clearly a fan. He also likes the pool but adds that the threecar garage, which has bays that are 6 feet deeper than standard ones, has proven to be an unexpected nicety. “This was a labor of love and everything we wanted it to be,” says Pat. “It’s a statement of our personality, so everything went into it.” GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2019 | 71
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2019 WINE & FOOD FEST KICKOFF SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. recently hosted a kickoff event in anticipation of the 2019 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, bringing trustees, sponsors and supporters together to commence another season of spirited philanthropy. The cocktail reception was hosted by 2019 co-chairs Christin Collins, Brooke Denson and Debbie Toler at the home of Brooke and Patrick Denson in Miromar Lakes.
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Photos by MICHAEL SHAPIRO PHOTOGRAPHY
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1. Sandy Stilwell Youngquist, Gail Markham, Jenn Pavich and Jessica Higdon 2. Heidi Taulman with Maria and Wayne Wiles 3. Brian and Nicole Roland with Robert Black 4. Peter Vamvakaris, Michelle Graham and Scott Fischer 5. Maria Wiles, Andie Vogt, Cheryl Copham and Vicki Pitbladdo 6. Jason Stephens, Bill Toler, Armando Llechu and Patrick Denson 7. Mary Robertson and Steve Machiz with Gary and Karen Tasman 8. Cheryl and Dave Copham 9. Richard and Cindy Harding with Kathy and Larry Courtnage 10. Ester Machiz and Pat Gibbons 11. Brooke Denson and Debbie Toler 12. Margaret Antonier and Sandy Stilwell Youngquist 13. Gail Markham and Michelle Graham
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SALUSCARE GRAND OPENING SalusCare’s Medication Assisted Treatment clinic celebrated its grand opening with an open house on January 15 that attracted more than 50 community leaders, healthcare professionals and interested residents. Medication assisted treatment is treatment for opioid addiction disorders that includes the use of medication along with counseling and other support.
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1. Marc Collins, Michelle Sutherland and Rob Tabor 2. Bill Weaver and Tracey Weaver 3. Karen Twombley, Jayme Hodges, Tianna Herman and Michael Bennett 4. Lizbeth Pine and Don Pine 5. Stacey Cook and Stephanie Davis 6. Jackie Nolen, Mary Fischer and Marshall Bower 7. Kim Becker and Jane Lane
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FASHION FORWARD FRIDAY
Photos special to GRANDEUR
Jennifer’s women’s boutique hosted Fashion Forward Friday in December benefiting The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. The organization that works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood received a percentage of the day’s sales totaling $900. In addition, the boutique and customers raised money to buy 10 bicycles for the organization’s Christmas outreach.
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1. Keith Durling and Crystal Miller 2. Gail Doxie, Jennifer Williams and Jamie Gates 3. James Robinson and Brenda Kensle 4. Cindy Call and Dovile Gucmeris 5. Dana Parr and Sherry Long 6. Jill Castiglione and Maria Gervacio
AN EVENING OF WISHES The annual Wishmaker’s Ball was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples on January 12. The event raised nearly $200,000 for the MakeA-Wish Foundation, enough to make dreams come true for 33 children and families in Southwest Florida.
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1. Thomas Graney and Dylan Sanders 2. Wish kids Alex and Cole with Jeff Jackson 3. Jeff and Lianne Caruso 4. Glenn and Amy Frith with Joe and Jennifer Girvan 5. Wish kid Keira and Jennifer Girvan 6. Joe Perez and Norm Wedderburn
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HEIGHTS CONCERT The Heights Foundation hosted a concert featuring Grammy Award-winning musicians Hillary Scott & The Scott Family and Billy Dean. The event raised $565,000 to support programs that help at-risk families in Harlem Heights.
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Photos special to GRANDEUR
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1. Cliff and Georgeanne Williams 2. Back row: Cheryl Copham and Debbie Toler Front: Sandy Stilwell Youngquist, Brooke Denson, Peggy Youssef, Kristin Mae Copham, Stacy Youngquist 3. Angela Distel, Dan Creighton, Brooke Denson, Don Vogt and Andie Vogt 4. Lang Scott, Linda Davis, Elaine Hawkins, Hillary Scott, Fred Hawkins, Rylee Scott and Billy Dean 5. Kathryn Kelly and John DeMaster 6. Steward Mills and Andre Margeaux
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Honoring the Female Spirit at the Grande Dames Tea Tuesday, March 26 | 1:00PM - 3:00PM Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
Doris Colgate
Linda Brown
Mary Fischer
Join us for an afternoon of inspiration as our community’s most revered women share their lifelong experiences with the Pace girls of Lee County. For tickets or sponsorship information, please visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee or call Margo Brewster at (239)435-2366. Tickets available online February 1.
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OLD HOLLYWOOD SIGNATURE EVENT The Guadalupe Center honored sponsors and supporters of its Old Hollywood Signature Event with an exclusive patron party on January 15 in Naples. Hosted by London Bay Homes in the developer’s custom-built Saffire model in Port Royal, the private reception featured casual conversation, hors d’ourves by Tastebuds Custom Catering and a pouring station courtesy of renowned vintner ReTour Wines.
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Photos by TONY SPANO
1. Gemma Wilson, Mark Wilson, Amy Chancy and Tracy Connelly 2. Karen Mayer, Julie Kaplar, Sharon Juve, Amy Heuerman, Joann Miller, Linda Smith, Lindsey Woodard and Ashley Dewji 3. Bunny Salisbury and Carla Hoyt 4. Roger Vasey, Gemma Wilson and Fred Hagemann 5. Mary McCabe and Mike McCabe
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month We all know someone like this, those who walk through life as if they were on a fashion runway. Every stitch of their ensemble coordinates with the next and every accessory complements each piece with just the right flair. In our March issue we feature those local style icons who live, work and play among us.
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