“It’s the me I’ve wanted!” Embrace the Benefits of Breast Augmentation...
VOTED AGAIN “THE BEST”
Best Breast Cosmetic Surgeon Best Plastic Surgeon
and LOVE the New You! 239.482.1900 • garramone.com 12998 S. Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Ralph Garramone, M.D. is listed as one of America’s Top Doctors® by Castle Connolly for the past nine years.
CLOSET
GARAGE
Custom Closets & More is Now Inspired Closets Owners, H.L. and Kerry Burkley, invite you to see the latest custom closets, pantries, garages and more.
(239) 948-0022 InspiredClosetsSWFL.com LIC#CGC062084
NP-0000954926
4 | February 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
HOME OFFICE
MURHPY BEDS
PANTRY
GARAGE FLOORING
VISIT OUR CORPORATE HQ & SHOWROOM AT 4535 Domestic Ave Naples, FL 34104 M-F 9-5 •Sat-by appt
NEW BONITA SHOWROOM 28400 Old US 41, Suite 7, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
ESTATE PLANNING
At the intersection of planning and peace of mind. While death and final arrangements can be difficult to discuss, having your wishes properly documented is crucial to protect the ones you leave behind. We guide our clients through a range of significant life events impacting estate plans, from births, marriages, divorces, second marriages, and guardianships to family business succession planning, trusts, and probate litigation. Let us advocate your interests as we’ve done for our clients for more than 90 years.
Erin Blumer Bunnell LL.M Estate Planning
Ronald A. Eisenberg Florida Bar Board Certified in Wills, Trusts and Estates
Eric Gurgold
Florida Bar Board Certified in Wills, Trusts and Estates LL.M Taxation
Ernest H. Hatch
Florida Bar Board Certified in Wills, Trusts and Estates
David M. Platt Named to Best Lawyers in America (2006-2018)
Helping Communities, Businesses and Individuals Since 1924. henlaw.com • 239.344.1100 © Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt, P.A.
Fort Myers • Bonita Springs • Sanibel • Naples
CONTENTS | FEBRUARY 2018
20
77
FEATURES
IN THIS ISSUE
16 GRAND FACES
12
Editor’s Letter
14
The Colors Page
Meet artist Wendy Newman and learn about her connection to the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. Read about Matthew and Steven Singleton, this year’s child artists for the event. And get to know Kelly Fayer, #KindLee creator and president of the Lee County Bar Association.
47
33 GRAND COVER STORY
44 Shopping 47 Getaway 50 Grand Case 53 Grand Ride
67 MAKE IT A DOUBLE The Naples Grande Beach Resort reopens its lobby bar, Mantra, with a new design, new name and head-turning libations. You’ll escpecially want to check out Bubble Q Happy Hour.
57 Events 71 Arts 74 Fashion 83 Grand Times
77 OPEN DOOR
67
27 Model Behavior 41 Pets
The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, a two-day event featuring exquisite vintner dinners and the pinnacle Grand Tasting and Live Auction, celebrates 10 years of fundraising that has resulted in $18.7 million raised to help kids in Southwest Florida.
The vibrant colors found in the art collection of Jim Minor and Daryl Buddemeyer set a colorful stage for their new Southwest Florida home in Windward Isle.
22 Dining
14
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 7
CELEBRATING THE GOOD LIFE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Part of the USA TODAY Network | Volume 16, Number 5
Publisher
William R. Barker
Editor | General Manager Kathryn Robinson Kinsey kkinsey@gannett.com Art Director Lindi Daywalt-Feazel ldaywalt@gannett.com Associate Editor Pamela Hayford phayford@gannett.com Contributing writers
Gina Birch, Stephanie Borden, Patricia Carlson, Cathy Chestnut, Sara Coggin, Jennifer Thomas, Andrea Stetson
Contributing photographers Dorothy Edwards, Logan Newell, Andrea Melendez, Nicole Raucheisen, Brian Tietz, Andrew West
Vice President Advertising Sales
Niche Team Coordinator Editorial Imager Coordinator
Nancy M. Solliday Dennis Wright drwright@gannett.com
Advertising Account Executive Nicole Holey nholey@gannett.com
Director Circulation Distribution
Circulation Support and Logistics Manager
Jim Keeble Cheryl Cushman
ON THE COVER The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest celebrates 10 years. Read more on page 33. The cover also features Wendy Newman’s design for this year’s event. More about Wendy on page 18.
ILLUSTRATION BY LINDI DAYWALT-FEAZEL
1250 Third Street South Olde Naples, FL 34102 239-262-4791 NP-0000946206
8 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
Grandeur is published 8 times a year. Complimentary copies are home delivered to The News-Press and Naples Daily News subscribers in select neighborhoods throughout Lee and Collier counties. Subscriptions to the magazine are $24.95, and single copies are available at The News-Press and Naples Daily News offices, and at various locations throughout Lee and Collier counties. To read the free e-edition visit grandeurmagazine.com. To advertise: 239-335-0457 To subscribe: 239-335-0211 To reach the editor: editor@grandeurmagazine.com
BEAUTIFUL VISIT
OUR
SHOWROOM
ROCK SOLID Granite Countertops
2240 J And C Blvd, Naples, FL · (239) 596-7676
HUGEGRANITEDEALS.COM
DESIGNS TO
INSPIRE
YOU
grand | EXTRAS
Grandeur online, on your phone, in your hand Get the good life in the palm of your hand all month long. Tour Southwest Florida homes. Discover luxurious finds. Meet the people who shape our community. Get all that Grandeur Magazine has to offer and more at grandeurmagazine.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Follow us on Instagram at grandeurmagazine Like us on Facebook at Grandeur Magazine – Southwest Florida
Grandeur Advisory Board The board is a group designed to help ensure that our coverage of the good life in Southwest Florida reaches the high expectations we always strive to meet.
Three Diamond Anniversary rings and Eternity bands, that tell a lasting story.
Susan Bennett
President, Susan Bennett Marketing & Media
Dwayne Bergmann Principal/ Designer Dwayne Bergmann, LLC
Karen Johnson– Crowther
Principal, Director of Retail Services, Colliers International
Tracey Galloway
CEO of Community Cooperative
™
SEALIFE FASHION DIAMONDS ESTATE
Periwinkle Place Shops • Sanibel Island 239-472-4177 • CongressJewelers.com 10 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
Gail Markham
Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A.
Larry Norris
Founder, Norris Furniture & Interiors
Robbie Roepstorff President, Edison National Bank
Jennifer Williams
Owner, Jennifer’s Inc.
grand | EDITOR’S LETTER
Living a successful life
W
hen one considers the meaning of success, definitions vary. For some, it’s the fulfillment of a dream. For others it could mean anything from losing a few pounds to a happy family, a well-decorated home or a career with purpose and impact. For me success isn’t a fancy title or having more than others; it’s striving every day to be a better me. It’s that simple. This doesn’t mean I want to be perfect, but it does mean every day I work toward being one, or all, of these simple things: a loving mother, a caring and compassionate partner, a devoted sister, a true friend, a supportive and empowering manager and, as of eight months ago, a devoted grandmother to the most perfect little girl in the world — I’m her grandmother; of course she’s perfect. No matter your definition of success, the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest hits the mark. The two-day event at private homes on March 2 and at the Quail West Golf & Country Club in northern Collier County on March 3 has raised $18.7 million since its inception in 2009, making it the largest fundraising event for the nonprofit SWFL Children’s Charities. It consistently ranks as one of the top-grossing wine fests in the country. We share everything you need to know about this year’s event, from how it all began, to the list of participating chefs and auction items, we have it all. Pages 33-39. In this month’s issue, you’ll meet the Child Artists for the SWFL Wine & Food Fest: Matthew Singleton, a 5-year-old leukemia patient, and his big brother, Steven, both budding artists who lean on each other for support. Page 20. You’ll also meet artist Wendy Newman, whose own experiences with those dealing with illnesses, and the aftermath of treatment, became the inspiration behind her charity Wendy’s Cancer Warriors, an organization that photographs children with cancer enjoying the things they love to do most, page 16, and Lee County Bar Association President Kelly L. Fayer, who inspires kindness and volunteerism in the legal community, page 18. And you’ll find love in this month’s Grand Ride. Even 40 years of Minnesota’s bitter cold weather couldn’t part George Krause from his beloved 1956 Triumph TR3. This roadster, still owned by George, reflects countless family memories. Page 53. This Valentine’s Day month is the perfect time to share your love and to get involved and donate to your charity of choice. Now that’s what I call success. Happy reading!
Location provided by: Ralph Lauren Home Miromar Design Center.
PHOTO BY BRIAN TIETZ
12 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
KATHRYN ROBINSON KINSEY EDITOR & GENERAL MANAGER
Have you thought about what you will do if, someday, your heart needs help? We’d like to suggest that you (and your heart) turn to us. Our dedicated cardiac care team works for you. We can help you prevent heart disease. And, if you ever need the tools, techniques and talent to meet a complex situation head on, our doctors are right here. Every day. For you. Take our new heart risk assessment at HeartHealthPRHS.com to get heart health tips and information you can share with your physician. Or, we can introduce you to a member of this team.
YOUROURHEARTBEAT. HEART TEAM’S MISSION.
Left to Right: Leandro Perez-Segura, M.D.**, Richard Prewitt, M.D.*, Louis Wasserman, M.D.**, Sarah deLeon Mansson, D.O.*, M. Stephen Schneider, M.D.**, 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.** Not pictured: Ariel De La Rosa, M.D.**, Ryan Houk, M.D.**, Vinh Luu, 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
NP-0000945588
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 13
grand | COLORS
Mod glam
• From Tacori’s 18k 925 collection comes this glamorous bracelet adorned with sparkling diamonds, colorful gemstones and exquisite quartz. The Tacori Lilac Blossoms bracelet is made of 18-karat gold and .925 silver, hence the collection’s name. Each 18k 925 design incorporates Tacori’s signature crescent motif of interlocking half-moon arcs. Available at Diamond District in Estero. Variations of this bracelet are available starting at $2,710.
purely
PURPLE A
Puddle jumper
• Singing in the rain just got oh so chic with Chico’s floral print rain jacket ($149 at Chico’s stores or chicos.com). The polyester navy shell with sweet lilac-hued flowers is complemented nicely with a taffeta lining graced with nautical stripes. Available in Chico’s size 00-4, which fits conventional sizes 0-20.
n insignia of power and strength, purple is revered by royalty and regular citizens alike. When deep jewel tones accompany accessories, they are elevated to a distinct glamour and elegance. Electric violets in unexpected places, like luxury vehicles, create passion. And rich plums that envelope home decor are refined and sophisticated. The end result is this: There is a perfect purple for everyone. — PATRICIA CARLSON
Plum satisfied • Italian luxury brand Bottega
Veneta brings high style to their street-wise leather low-top sneakers shown here in dark barolo ($740 at saksfifthavenue.com). Featuring breezy weave detailing and fine lambskin, these rubber-soled kicks are ideal for a casual happy hour at a beachside pub or for dancing the night away at your favorite concert. Made in Italy, these sneakers are also available in white or black.
14 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
Square up • The Brunello Cucinelli pocket square, available for $225 at Marissa Collections in Naples or online at marissacollections.com, is a delicious Italianmade accessory that adds a beautiful splash of color to any outfit. Measuring 14 inches square and made of a fine linen-cotton blend, this square would look dashing combined with any classic palette like navy or beige. The perfect pick-me-up for a February Valentine’s date.
Purple opulence • Only the eighth car to carry Rolls-Royce’s flagship nameplate in 92 years, the 2018
Rolls-Royce Phantom is the pinnacle of automotive luxury. It begins with an all-new, highly flexible aluminum space frame structure that rolls on self-leveling air suspension with air springs. It ends with an all-glass dash that can be customized with artwork, allowing owners a truly bespoke experience. In between? Nothing but premium quality and luxurious opulence. A one-of-a-kind Phantom VIII carries a one-year wait and an MSRP starting at $417,825.
Well water • The
Light fantastic
• Aubergine never looked so luxe. An ombre effect in the glass base is equally glamorous and artistic, the silver pull chains are simple and modern, and the faux silk purple shade is deeply pleasing. This lamp would look perfectly at home in an elegant dining room or displayed on bedside tables in a chic bedroom. Dimond table lamp, $398. Image courtesy of Dimond Lighting, available at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.
VitaJuwel Wellness ViA water bottle ($78 at nordstrom.com) is made from premium, high-quality glass and features an interchangeable gempod base filled with a selection of hand-picked gemstones. The Wellness blend includes rose quartz, amethyst, and clear quartz designed to bring wellness to your day. VitaJuwel is not just jewelry for water, it also energizes your drinking water and restructures it to the same level as pure spring water. Other blends include gemstones to promote love and balance.
Savvy scarf • With
the perfect print mix, this scarf from White House | Black Market ($49) is your new spring must-have accessory. Available in stores and at WHBM.com starting the third week of February. The purple floral oblong scarf pairs well when worn singularly around the neck, or tied around your handbag or even your wrist for a new take on a bracelet.
Sheep of a different color
• The Scarlett Bench with Mongolian fur cover in Wisteria ($799 at grandinroad.com) is fun, funky, lavish and just the accent piece you need to spice up your decor. The cover, expressly made to fit the bench, is pure fantasy, while the bench legs are grounded and inspired by nature. Together, the effect is glamorous intrigue. Made of birchwood. Assembly required. GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 15
STORY BY GINA BIRCH
REVEALING Artist Wendy Newman finds beauty all around, even in the most unlikely places, and she brings it out for others to see. 16 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
Photo by STEVE NEWMAN
grand | FACES
here is a lot of excitement surrounding the upcoming Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, especially for artist Wendy Newman. She spent hundreds of hours creating a one-of-a-kind silk scarf for the fundraiser using her widely sought-after mandala designs. Her connection to the event lies deeper than her Southwest Florida roots; it’s also with the festival’s mission of raising money for the Golisano Children’s Hospital. Wendy’s mandala designs are commissioned and sought after by wineries, charities and prestigious clients nationwide. To make a mandala, the artist takes her original photographs, deconstructs the images, multiplies them to create layers and reconstructs them. It’s a complicated, time-consuming process. It wasn’t until two years ago that the personable artist discovered mandalas. “I thought it was the coolest thing in the world,” she says. “Everything changed completely.” The images she creates are transferred to luxurious handrolled silk scarves, kimonas, leggings and reversible umbrellas. This year, donors to the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest not only get a stunning scarf but also one of those umbrellas that opens and closes without getting you wet. Wendy’s design turns an important Florida accessory into a collectible work of art. Like many artists, Wendy has led a colorful life. Growing up in Southwest Florida, her family owned the Shangri-La Springs Resort in Bonita Springs. At the age of 28, her father had cancer and purchased the resort with its natural springs as a destination for health and healing. Wendy and her five siblings did not have a typical upbringing. They ate food grown on property, mostly raw, some steamed vegetables, there were always guests, and there was no television. At the age of 8, she got a sewing machine and says, “I became really good at sewing and design. I didn’t like all of the patterns, so I adapted them. My friends from third grade on all thought my outfits were so cool.” She also got a camera with an allowance of one roll of film a month. It was a gift that has shaped her life ever since. While attending college for fashion design in Miami, Wendy won an international competition with a prize of working
for a designer in Texas. However, her father’s cancer returned, and he passed away. Instead of pursuing her career in Texas, she moved back to Southwest Florida to help her mother at Shangri-La. Over the years Wendy had competed in beauty pageants but never won. After her father’s death, she says, “I won five in a row, including Miss Florida. I would have loved for him to see me win.” Combining her creativity, experience and title, Wendy opened both a finishing school and a modeling school. The Modeling Connection became one of the top schools in the nation expanding to four locations. When the entrepreneur added another title to her resume, “mom,” she sold the business but never stopped taking photos. She laughs, “I became known as the baby photographer in Fort Myers.” After relocating to Asheville, North Carolina, the artist was contacted by Mission Hospital there to arrange a special photo shoot for a child with terminal cancer. A few weeks later, she was visiting a friend in Southwest Florida who had just gone through breast cancer. “She didn’t feel pretty or feminine,” Wendy says, “and I said, ‘It has nothing to do with breasts, but how you feel about yourself. I want to take a photo and show you I can make you sexy and gorgeous without breasts.’” Those back-to-back experiences became the inspiration behind her charity, Wendy’s Cancer Warriors. She photographs children with cancer, takes them to special places, captures them doing the things they love and presents their families with precious memories, sometimes in the form of a mandala. Touched deeply by cancer, Wendy not only lost her father to the horrible disease, but also her sister. Her husband had leukemia, she had melanoma and the list goes on. “That is how Cancer Warriors started,” Wendy says. “Anyone, not just kids, are warriors through cancer. This is something I do to make a difference in their lives.” The charitable artist says she has found her purpose in life, and it’s through the “healing power of photographs. I want to make people look beautiful with my camera, to find their spirit.” And through her art, she does.
“I want to make people look beautiful with my camera, to find their spirit.” Custom umbrellas Wendy created for the 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 17
grand | FACES
#KindLee lawyer Lee County Bar Association President Kelly L. Fayer inspires kindness and volunteerism in the legal community.
hen she was in law school, Kelly L. Fayer volunteered as a victim’s advocate in the court system. In her first job as an assistant state attorney, she trained to help victims of domestic violence. Those experiences moved Kelly to volunteer at a domestic abuse shelter in West Palm Beach for four years while in private practice. Instead of delving into legal issues, she wound up watching the children living in the shelter while their parents attended counseling sessions. “It reminded me that you could always make a difference, no matter what your role is,” says Kelly, the 2017-18 president of the Lee County Bar Association. She recalls a time when two young boys were fighting over a ball. “It’s a small thing, but neither had a parent who was able to teach them what catch was. I was able to do that. It really touched my heart,” she says. “That was the reward of volunteering there: teaching them life skills or bringing joy to their lives for a few moments when their lives were tumultuous.” Kelly’s family moved from Chicago to Cape Coral when she was 10 years old, and she graduated from Cape Coral High School. Kelly, 45, returned to Southwest Florida in 2006 to be closer to family and establish her own practice, Kelly L. Fayer, P.A., with a focus on estate planning, probate, guardianship and family law. She
also brought her passion for domestic violence advocacy and simply helping out those who are overlooked — or suffering. Kelly immediately got involved with Abuse Counseling & Treatment Inc., where she again worked with shelter youth, funding and finding sponsorships to provide fun summer programs. Children at the abuse shelter are scared and in an unfamiliar environment, arriving out of chaos and violence. “It is difficult being in the shelter without anything that would make their lives normal,” Kelly says. “All they want is to be like the other kids.” She continues that work, and since 2006, she has also represented ACT victims of domestic and sexual violence and stalking through a Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence grant that compensates at a reduced attorney’s fee so victims don’t have to pay for representation. Kelly handled 186 injunctions last year. When she shows up in court for ACT, she doesn’t know the true caseload. Often, an ACT victim’s advocate will ask her to help others in the same situation who appear nervous, worried or upset. “Unfortunately, the courtrooms are full when you go for these injunctions (restraining orders). I may be asked to represent one or two, but there might be five people who need the help,” she says. In addition, Kelly represents an average of 14 abuse victims pro bono each year. Since 2009, Kelly has been serving on several key Lee County Bar Association committees, rising to president this year — representing 800 member lawyers and judges. Her list of accomplishments at the Bar Association are head-spinning: founding the #KindLee project to promote random acts of
kindness; establishing the 2017 Pro Bono Challenge to boost the number of lawyers willing to take on free cases; launching a diversity committee and workshop, and creating a free consultation hotline after Hurricane Irma. She has participated in the annual, free Law at the Mall — in which the public can inquire about legal issues they are facing — for more than a decade. Providing pro bono services is something Kelly feels passionate about. She knows a legal outcome impacts one’s future. She also provides free services through Florida Rural Legal Services and is currently representing four low-income clients in ongoing guardianship cases, including a mother in a contested paternity case involving domestic violence and another mother in a contested divorce case involving domestic violence and allegations of sexual misconduct. After establishing the Bar Association Pro Bono Challenge, 53 attorneys agreed to take on cases in the first four months — exceeding 38 lawyers from 2016. Through #KindLee, participants raised $1,000 for pediatric mental health in one day, collected almost 400 shoes for Soles4Souls, held post-Irma relief efforts and partnered with Valerie’s House and Community Cooperative. A goal for 2018 is increasing volunteerism and giving grants to other organizations so their members can perform random acts of kindness. “One thing I like best is being able to see our attorneys’ kindness and compassion when no one else is looking and they are not expecting anything in return,” Kelly says. “When performing acts of kindness, you’re able to see yourself making others happy. I’m looking forward to what we can all accomplish in the year ahead, that’s for certain.”
STORY BY CATHY CHESTNUT | PHOTO BY ANDREA MELENDEZ
18 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
“It is difficult being in the shelter without anything that would make their lives normal. All they want is to be like the other kids.” — KELLY FAYER
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 19
Matthew has grown up on treatment. He doesn’t think it’s weird. When he plays doctor, he accesses his port. For him this is very, very normal. — LISA SINGLETON
BROTHERS
THROUGH IT ALL Organizers of the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest chose two child artists this year: a 5-yearold leukemia patient and his big brother.
20 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
grand | FACES
STORY BY ANDREA STETSON | PHOTOS BY DOROTHY EDWARDS
atthew Singleton is excited to show people his collection of sea creatures and dinosaurs. He can rattle off the names of all types of sharks and recite intricate facts about each ocean animal. “I like the goblin shark, because they are not mean,” he says. “Whale sharks are the nicest in the world. The blue shark — he is dangerous. Greenland sharks are the mean guys.” The little boy, who recently turned 5 years old, loves art, riding his bicycle, swimming, playing baseball with his dad, his preschool and playing with his plastic sea creatures and dinosaurs with his big brother, Steven, 7. But his life isn’t always fun and games. Hospital visits, doctors, medicine and a variety of treatments are also part of his daily life. It also became part of life for Matthew’s parents, Lisa and Steve Singleton. “When he was 2 years old, he kept getting sick, but not your normal run-of-the-mill child who goes to daycare kind of sick,” Lisa says. “He had fevers of 103 that would not go away, staph infections, strep. These things would happen, and it got worse and worse, and we kept ending up in the ER.” Lisa and Steve Singleton and their sons Steven, 7, left, and Matthew, 4 In the emergency room, they did blood tests and found he had no counts for white or red blood cells or platelets. Yet blast tests for leukemia came With the hospital so close to home, Lisa and Steve back negative. A few months later, he had an intricate could take turns being with Matthew at the hospital blood test as doctors searched for answers. and Steven at their east Naples home. Now treatment “The doctor came back to the room with a nurse,” for Matthew is even closer to home at the Golisano | Lisa says. “When they give you heavy news, they Nicklaus Children’s Health Center Kids’ Urgent Care always have someone with you. The doctor said the su- in North Naples. Matthew started remission in August per sensitive blood tests came back, and Matthew does 2015. His last treatment is to be in September just after have leukemia. At first I had a split second of denial, he starts kindergarten. and I was not believing I was in the room. I started to “Matthew has grown up on treatment,” Lisa says. become panicked. I started to become overwhelmed. I “He doesn’t think it’s weird. When he plays doctor, he didn’t know where to turn. I didn’t understand what accesses his port. For him this is very, very normal.” was being told to me. I didn’t know what this meant It’s also a normal way of life for Steven, who underfor Matthew.” stands that his brother needs medicine to get well. Then the doctor told the Singletons that there is The Singletons are very grateful to Golisano for a 90-percent cure rate for the form of leukemia that setting their son on his road to recovery. They’re also Matthew had. But he needed treatment right away. The grateful the hospital included Steven in activities such choices were hospitals in Miami, Tampa or Golisano as Christmas gifts and sibling events, preventing Steven Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. from feeling left out. “The nurse he had, it was her 24th year as a nurse, This year when organizers of the Southwest Florida and she said, ‘If it was my child, I would take him to Wine & Food Fest selected their child artist, they seGolisano.’” Lisa says. lected both Matthew and Steven. Matthew was rushed by ambulance to Golisano. “We were really flattered when they asked us,” Lisa “Twelve hours after he was diagnosed, he was in says. treatment,” Steve says. Every year, the event auctions off a work of art “It was like I was on a space ship, and I stepped out created by a child artist with the help of a professional on another planet,” Lisa adds. “The whole world was artist. Matthew and Steven created their work with completely different. It felt different. The next day he Child Art Mentor Jolie Black, whose daughter, Sophia, was in surgery and getting his port, and the next day he was the 2015 child artist. Bidding starts at $5,000. started treatment.” Steve says Matthew had just started taking an inter-
est in art right before he was asked to be the festival artist. “It was good timing, because Matthew is very strong willed,” Steve says. Matthew used acrylic paint to create a picture he calls “Sparkly Night.” “It has blue and black and red and glitter. There are blue and gold sparkles and some silver,” Matthew describes. Steven put his love of dinosaurs on the canvas and created a piece called “Golden King.” “I painted a T. rex,” he says. “It was blue and gold, and I think I added green on there, and it had sparkles.” Lisa and Steve are glad both boys are this year’s artists. “They included Steven,” Lisa says happily. “He goes through it all with us, and he is a great big brother.” The brothers will be at the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest on Saturday, March 3 at Quail West Golf & Country Club in Naples. During the live auction, guests can bid on the boys’ work as part of the fundraiser. The child artist program has raised more than $1 million since it began, with 100 percent benefitting the pediatric care at Golisano Children’s Hospital. The art is traditionally donated back to the hospital, and all of the child artwork can be viewed on display there. “They had the best time doing the artwork,” Lisa says. “They are so proud of their pieces.” “It inspired him to keep drawing and painting,” Steve adds. “I can draw sharks,” Matthew says. “I can make a great white. I can make a leopard shark, a hammerhead shark, a tiger shark, a saw shark. I can’t make the basking shark. It is too hard.” Matthew opens his book of sharks to show how hard it is to draw the large mouth of the basking shark. Then he rushes off to get his plastic sea creatures and dinosaurs and sprawls out on the floor with Steven, who clutches his model dinosaurs. “The stegosaurus is my favorite, because it begins with an S and I begin with an S,” says Steven, who is a first-grader at Corkscrew Elementary School in north Collier County. “I like the mosasaur, because he is a dinosaur, and he can swim,” says Matthew, who attends Voluntary PreKindergarten at Eagles Nest Christian Academy, also in north Collier. “I don’t like jellyfish or squid. Manta rays — I love those.” GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 21
Scallops are served two ways, but the citrus beurre blanc sauce will make you want to lick the plate.
ISLAND DINING Il Cielo on Sanibel gives diners a stunning upscale experience.
22 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
grand | DINING
STORY AND PHOTOS BY GINA BIRCH
t has a reputation as a special occasion place, and while that description fits the bill, Il Cielo also has the kind of welcoming feel and competitive island pricing to put it on the regular rotation of a discerning diner’s list. General Manager Marcus Preece oversaw some of the most well-known restaurants in Naples, including Campiello and Lurcat, before trading in Fifth Avenue for island life. When he came onboard, Il Cielo had been suffering from some identity problems, but those days are over. Surrounded by tropical foliage on Periwinkle Road, the restaurant is just blocks north of the causeway. The bar is welcoming with dim lighting and well-stocked shelves. The curved dining room has perfectly set tables. Live piano music adds to the elegant ambiance. Seafood features prominently on the menu with both Mediterranean and Asian influences. Take for instance the black grouper ($32). The signature dish features local fish topped with jumbo lump crab in a flavorful sweet chili beurre blanc.
TOP: The bar at Il Cielo is open, yet romantic once the lights are dimmed for dinner. BOTTOM: A signature dish at Il Cielo is local black grouper topped with jumbo lump.
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 23
grand | DINING
Local ingredients are a priority; all sauces are made in-house as well as the mozzarella for the popular caprese. No cutting corners when it comes to quality ingredients. The calamari appetizer has a near cult following. Whole Humboldt squid are marinated overnight in buttermilk. Sliced and coated in fine flour, the strips are quickly fried then tossed in mango coulis. Add sweet chili aioli and cashews to the plate and it’s the perfect execution and texture ($12). On my visit, the risotto of the day had Nueske’s bacon, fresh apple and Gorgonzola ($11). The smoky meat and sweet fruit made a mouthwatering combination when paired with the rich cheese and creamy risotto. Bravo. The pasta is from scratch and includes decadent lobster ravioli ($28). The raviolis are filled with a mixture that resembles lobster thermidor. Served in a sherry mustard cream sauce, small bites of juicy tomatoes add a fresh pop. The New York strip wagyu ($38) is so tender you can cut it with a butter knife. It’s served with haricot vert and bacon and cheddar dauphines that are addicting. Marcus loves the veal osso buco ($36) so much that sometimes he comes in early to make it himself. The in-house pastry chef knocks it out of the park with fresh breads and desserts daily. Try the Key lime trio with the perfect small bites of cookies, pie and crème brûlée or the chocolate salted caramel mousse cake with vanilla scented whipped cream and raspberry. Edible gold powder is airbrushed on top, making it almost too pretty to eat. Even though Il Cielo is more upscale, children are not only welcomed but also treated with respect. The kids’ menu includes many of the same presentations as the adults, like grouper and filet, in small portions. Marcus says, “Kids want to eat in a nice place and be treated like an adult, too, not a kid.” Vegans and vegetarians are also highly considered, with nightly specials and regular menu items. “It’s important that the meal looks good and tastes good, not just a bunch of steamed veggies on a plate,” Marcus says. The vegetarian special the night I dined was a beautiful stack of smoked carrot and coconut cus24 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The calamari in a sweet chili aioli with cashews and a mango coulis is addicting. • Il Cielo may focus on seafood, but managers also source the best cuts of beef for entrees. • Two succulent desserts include the Key lime trio and chocolate salted caramel mousse cake. • Pistachio crusted lamb loin is served with housemade mint jelly.
tard, fermented chickpea fondue, soy pickled mushroom, cucumber and puffed rice. In addition, 60 percent of the menu either is or can be gluten-free. You’ll find a well-rounded selection of worldly wines with by-the-glass choices ranging from $9 to $15. This year, Marcus is looking to add a coravin system to offer higher end bottles by the glass as well. The cocktail list includes creative twists on traditional favorites. The Blue Cielo-tini ($13) is made with Blue Curacao and gin from the Amalfi coast, where lemons are king. At first it tastes like citrus vodka, but on the finish, you can tell you’ve been duped, and are happy about it. Marcus seeks out what he calls “interesting spir-
its,” not just the brands you find behind every other bar. There is an intriguing selection of bourbon, scotch, port, cognac, grappa and more. Although the restaurant has seating for 150, reservations are strongly recommended. Open for dinner only but for one exception: Sunday brunch. 2018 is looking good for Il Cielo with another James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour on the books, plans for wine dinners and a few décor updates. The staff goes through an intense interview process before being hired and extensive training afterward. They are not only educated but also personable, adding to your overall experience. Dining here promises to be a night you’ll remember.
© Forevermark 2017. Forevermark ®, ®
,
™
and Forevermark Tribute™ are Trade Marks used under license from The De Beers Group of Companies.
The Forevermark Tribute™ Collection
FOR ALL T H AT YO U ARE A diamond for each of your qualities
-0000954850
In town. On the water. Beyond the ordinary.
THE ISLES HAVE IT!
WATERFRONT LIVING. ON NAPLES BAY, 5 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN AND THE BEACHES.
LUXURY VILLAS, COACH HOMES & SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES FROM THE MID $300s TO OVER $1.5 MILLION From poolside parties and beach picnics to kayaking and pickleball, The Isles of Collier Preserve is a place where nature, neighbors and free-spirited fun come together like nowhere else. A place where award-winning homes overlook miles of scenic waterways and preserves. Come see why, “The Isles have it” over any other community in Naples!
Available membership at adjoining Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club with deepwater access to the Gulf of Mexico • Classic Old Florida Clubhouse • Resort-Style Pool • Event Lawn • Lap Pool • Cabanas • Fitness Center • Pickleball & Tennis Courts • Kayak & Paddleboard Launches • Overlook Bar & Grill Coming Soon
(888) 347-0540 • MintoUSA.com • 5445 Caribe Avenue, Naples, FL 34113 Located on US 41/Tamiami Trail East, just south of Thomasson Drive For location, hours of operation and further details about our award-winning communities, visit MintoUSA.com. © Minto Communities, LLC 2018. Not an offer where prohibited by state statutes. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Artist’s renderings, dimensions, specifications, prices and features are approximate and subject to change without notice. Minto, the Minto logo, The Isles of Collier Preserve and The Isles of Collier Preserve logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880. 2/2018
grand | MODEL BEHAVIOR
The upstairs loft is bright and cheery. It is also full of geometric shapes and keeps with the beach and ocean theme with its octopus prints and sailboat pictures.
STORY BY ANDREA STETSON | PHOTOS BY ANDREW WEST
Beachy abode The Corleone model in Hidden Harbour gives residents beachside flair and gulf access in the heart of south Fort Myers. t’s elegant, yet fun. It’s full of modern geometric shapes, and yet it feels like a beach getaway. The Corleone model by Stock Development is a hidden treasure within Hidden Harbor of south Fort Myers. The fun begins in the casual dining area near the family room with a 7-foot wide, 9-foot high chalkboard. “It has an elegant flair, but it’s fun,” says Claudine Wetzel, vice president of sales and marketing for Stock Development. GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 27
grand | MODEL BEHAVIOR
Another fun element is the splash of orange that covers one of the guest room ceilings and down part of the walls. “It makes the house light and bright, yet it has an elegant flair to it,” Claudine says. “I think it’s unique. What I like about the house is it is a two-story house, and it has some fun features in it. It is conducive to a family or empty nesters that have kids coming back and forth or grandkids living close by.” The model is tucked away along a deep harbor where the water is 45 to 50 feet deep, making it conducive for larger boats, says sales associate Pamela Ferrara. It’s a 25-minute trip to Estero Bay from the dock behind the house. “This used to be a quarry. That’s why the water is so deep,” Pamela explains. The community’s location is one of its draws. “The beauty of the home is it sits on the harbor with Gulf access,” Claudine says. “You are in the heart of Fort Myers, yet you can get on your boat.” The four-bedroom, plus study and loft, 3½-bathroom home spans 3,186 square feet under air and 4,280 total square feet of living space. Natural gas is available here, too. The furnished model is listed for $1,129,990. There are 25 spots left in this community of 76 homes at build-out. The Corleone has a two-car garage plus what Stock calls a fun car garage. That’s a space in front of one of the cars that has enough room for a boat, golf cart or third vehicle. “The master bedroom, den and laundry are all on the first floor, so you can use the first floor, and the second floor is for guests,” Pamela says. Most rooms in the home overlook the lanai, pool and harbor. On a recent morning, a pod of manatees surfaced and splashed in the water. Pamela says they are regular residents of the waterway. To draw that coastal outside feel inside, the designer created a beach theme throughout the home. “The client had asked for a fun, fresh take on gulf living, since it is close to the water,” says Dan Killgore, senior designer with Soco Interiors. “We went with the contemporary coastal, going
28 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
with the clean lines. I wanted to add the organic element. That is where the shells and the coastal elements came into play.” “In Hidden Harbor, we are very coastal,” Pamela adds. “We wanted that coastal feel.” The design incorporates a palette of teal, coral and white and seaside décor. Six sea stars are mounted on glass on the wall of the family room. Seahorse sculptures sit by the chalkboard. Sea stars and coral decorate the master bath, and blue crab artwork hangs in the hall to the master bedroom. The spacious bedroom has three large windows facing the water and a door leading to the lanai. In the study are large sailing prints along with shelves filled with driftwood. The theme continues in the half bath with its shiplap walls and colorful prints of shells. In the great room, teal and coral pillows pop on a neutral beige sofa. A wood table in the formal dining room holds a shell sculpture. Two large, colorful octopus prints catch one’s eye in the upstairs loft. The beach theme continues in the three upstairs bedrooms. A whale-inspired room features tan and gray whale print pillows on the queen-size bed, along with a whale tail sculpture. Below a circular mirror, which looks like a porthole, sits a ball of nautical rope and two boat propeller sculptures. Abstract art in beachy blues, greens and yellows gives the room a pop of color. The second guest bedroom has the coral colored ceiling that extends 12 inches down the wall. “The idea was instead of always showing color on the wall, to show the pop of color on the ceiling, and bringing it down on the wall bridges the walls and the ceiling a little bit, so it is not so disjointed,” Dan says. The ceiling coordinates with coral prints above two twin-size beds and contrasts with a silver coral sculpture. A Jack and Jill bathroom connects that room with the third guest bedroom, which has a more subdued beach theme. White boards above the bed make three dimensional stripes on the pale grayish walls. Teal and dark gray pillows contrast the white queen-size bed.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The ocean motif is prevalent in the family room where six sea stars are mounted on the wall. • The lanai and pool overlook the water where pods of manatee play. • Upstairs one of the guest rooms has a bright coral colored ceiling that extends about 12 inches down the wall. • One of the most prominent features in the kitchen is the giant chalkboard. • Rather than a formal dining room, this dining nook overlooks the water. • The kitchen has a sleek elegant look yet right next to it is the whimsical chalkboard. • The master bedroom is bright white with splashes of aqua that keep the beachy theme prevalent.
Look Like You Spent A Lot! C O M P A N Y
Throughout the house, 24-by-24 Wanderlust color tile links the rooms. “When the light hits it, it looks like the capiz shells that you see on the beach,” Pamela says. Geometric shapes are also prevalent around the Corleone. The upstairs loft has rectangular shapes of wood in the ceiling, a round lamp over a chair, a square teal ottoman, a long rectangular glass table by the wall and circular glass sculptures above the rectangular table. A round table has oval glass jars stocked with crayons and paper. Square ottomans sit around a round table. There’s a round shag rug, round wicker basket and round mirror. “The loft, we wanted it to look a little bit more playful, so we did mix,” Dan says. “We wanted it a little bit more collective, and not all the same shapes. It makes it a little bit more casual. We added a table up there as
a secondary craft space. We thought it would be a little more fun to do ottomans, so that is where the square ottomans came in.” Downstairs the family room has a round wood grain coffee table, square end tables and a rectangular table with inset square design along the main wall. The biggest shape in the downstairs area is the chalkboard, a focal point in the casual dining area near the family room. “It was inspired by a restaurant. They did a menu that way,” Dan says. “It is in the casual dining area. We thought it would give people a way to add a menu or a greeting up there.” When I visited, there was a Julia Child quote on the board: “It’s fun to get together and have something good to eat at least once a day. That’s what human life is all about — enjoying.”
S T O R E
MIROMAR OUTLETS
®
Over
140
Top Designer and Brand Name Outlet Stores and Restaurants
Voted the Best Shopping Mall and Best Factory Outlet Mall in Southwest Florida
UP TO 70% OFF RETAIL PRICES GIFT CARDS MAKE THE
Perfect Gift
MiromarOutlets.com • I-75, Exit 123 • (239) 948-3766 • 0218- 3209
*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.
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 29
Elevated Waterfront Living in South Fort Myers Beach
Amenities Include:
Relax without restrictions. Explore without limits. And reach new heights in uncommon luxury. With panoramic views of Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Grandview at Bay Beach invites you to enjoy life's greatest achievements.
° Vibrant Club & Social Room with Catering Kitchen ° Resort-Style Pool & Spa ° Fitness Center & Yoga Studio ° Four Lighted Tennis Courts ° Walking/Jogging Paths Adjacent to an Expansive, Private Open Space
Get in on the ground floor of the last tower in Bay Beach. Floor plans and pricing now available. Reserve your residence today.
58 STUNNING RESIDENCES FROM THE $900s*
S A L E S C E N T E R O P E N DA I LY
G R A N DV I E W B AY B E AC H .C O M | 2 3 9 - 3 07- 0 2 1 1 *ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE.
REIMAGINE YOUR HOME THR OUGH RENOVATION & DESIGN
Whether you’re recultivating your kitchen, remastering your master bath, reinvigorating your outdoor environment, or reawakening your highrise, London Bay Homes brings the same level of expertise to the art of residential renovation and design as we do to building the finest luxury homes in Southwest Florida. Discover how we can bring a renewed touch of luxury to yours.
R ENOVAT ION & DES IGN
Contact Our Expert Design Consultants
239.298.7623
LondonBay.com/Renovation
CBC057242
THE HIDDEN GEM OF NAPLES
Celebrating a Decade of Boating Excellence!
A
Perfect
DAY ON THE WATER BEGINS AND ENDS AT HAMILTON HARBOR YACHT CLUB
Social & Slip Membership Currently Available Casual Waterfront Dining | On - Board Catering One-of-a-Kind Concrete Boathouse Built To Withstand 150mph Winds Relaxed Attire|Nautical, Social & Sporting Events Customized Boating Services For An Effortless Boating Lifestyle Less Than 10 Minutes From Gordon Pass Discounted Fuel On-Site | Unlimited In & Out Service
Call for your personal tour 239.775.0506 7065 Hamilton Ave.| Naples, FL 34112 | 239-775-0506 www.hamiltonharboryachtclub.com 32 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
grand | COVER STORY
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 33
grand | COVER STORY
STORY BY CATHY CHESTNUT
ere’s a toast to the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest’s 10th anniversary. Nine years and $18.7 million later, the largest fundraising event for the nonprofit SWFL Children’s Charities has consistently ranked as one of the top-grossing wine fests in the country.
Cheers to the generous gala sponsors, trustees and bidders, who hoisted paddles high to reach a mighty goal: raising $10 million to build a stand-alone pediatric hospital with expanded services. SWFL Children’s Charities trustees, co-chairs and philanthropists, and wine festival attendees, far exceeded that commitment, but the stated goal had a much broader effect. It may just have inspired Naples philanthropist B. Thomas Golisano to step up with his $20 million dollar-for-dollar grant challenge after he recognized the community-wide support. SWFL Children’s Charities “is one of the primary reasons — they were the drivers — behind the success of the children’s hospital. They were there before anyone else. Quite frankly, without them and the success of wine fest, we might have built it, but it would have taken a lot longer,” says Lee Health Foundation Chief Foundation Officer Skip Leonard. “They were there at the very beginning.” The $202 million Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida opened to widespread gratitude in May 2017. “It’s fabulous. It’s all about saving children’s lives and keeping families here. Children who get cancer are treated for years and years. It’s horrific for a parent. They’re so grateful to have this facility and care in our backyard, so it is very gratifying,” says festival co-chair Elaine Hawkins, whose property insurance company has been a sponsor for a decade. “The care they get here is phenomenal. It’s the care inside the hospital that makes it what it is.” All the festival’s profits are distributed through SWFL Children’s Charities, which was the secondlargest children’s hospital funder at $16.3 million. It also granted a combined $1.45 million to Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College to provide pediatric health care scholarships and teaching equipment. “We’re enabling local students to participate in pediatric healthcare in Southwest Florida,” Elaine says. “We’ve met many of them. Without the scholarship, they wouldn’t be able to go to college.” 34 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest co-chairs Elaine Hawkins and Brooke Denson
THE
2018 PRIVATE VINTNER DINNERS The 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest presents seven exclusive dining experiences March 2, featuring the culinary talents of a celebrated chef paired with wines from renowned vintners. Tim Youngquist and Sandy StilwellYoungquist partnered with Dave and Cheryl Copham to host “Hot Cars & Wine Stars” in Saint Charles Harbour in south Fort Myers. This gastronomic soiree will feature the award-winning Chef Todd Erickson of Society, alongside the exquisite wines presented by the 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest’s Honored Signature Vintner, Barbara Banke, and Jackson Family Wines, featuring The Spire Collection. Guests will enjoy “A Night in the Conch Republic,” presented by Scott and Mary Fischer, Gary and Karen Tasman and Joe and Terri Bryan. The skillfully prepared meal by celebrity chef Allen Susser of Chef Allen’s Consulting will be presented in Palmetto Point in south Fort Myers, and wine will flow thanks to the evening’s vintners, Thompson 31Fifty Wines and Three Sticks Wines. Guests will be transported to the islands of Polynesia for the “Aloha to 10 Years” dinner, hosted by Patrick and Brooke Denson and Peter and Paula Pala in Miromar Lakes. The evening will feature the culinary gifts of celebrity chef Mei Lin, a winner on Bravo TV’s “Top Chef” television series, paired with delectable wines from two Napa Valley vintners, Saint Helena Winery and Hunnicutt.
Chad and Danielle Kocses will host “Bright Lights City Nights” at Quail West Golf & Country Club in north Collier County, featuring gourmet cuisine by celebrity chef Kenny Gilbert of Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen, artfully paired with wines from the evening’s featured vintner, Husic Vineyards. Delight in “Havana Nights” with dinner hosts Skip and Julie Leonard and Joe Gammons. Guests will come aboard a magnificent yacht to dine along the coast of Naples, enjoying authentic Cuban creations by local favorite Chef Gloria Jordan of La Trattoria Café Napoli and Mermaid Garden Café, with wine presented by V Madrone Cellars. Joe and Jenn Pavich will present “‘California Dreaming’ at the Beverly Hills Hotel” at West Bay Club in Estero. The evening will feature the revered Chef Harold Balink of Harold’s, paired with wines from Gamble Family Vineyards. Brian and Nicole Roland have partnered with Todd and Angela Gates to host “Under the Sea” at the Rolands’ Venue Naples. The evening will feature a fusion of culinary skills from dinner host Chef Brian Roland, owner of Crave Culinaire and Venue Naples, and Chef David Robbins, executive chef of Crave Culinaire, harmonized with the world-class wines of Relic Wine Cellars and Williams Selyem Winery.
THE
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 pooling knowledge and experience. “It’s like art. It gives you that one thing to focus on. That is your commonality — that connector,” Carolyn says. “Wine brings people together around something that creates conversation.” She 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.
Cheryl and Dave Copham
Honored Signature Vintner: Barbara Banke, chairman and proprietor of Jackson Family Wines, featuring The Spire Collection Featured Vintners: • Gamble Family Vineyards • Hunnicutt • Husic Vineyards • Relic Wine Cellars • Saint Helena Winery • Thompson 31 Fifty Wines • Three Sticks Wines • V Madrone Cellars • Williams Selyem Winery
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 35
THE Harold Balink, Harold’s • Harold has more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality business. Prior to opening his own establishment, Harold’s, he worked at Le Cirque in New York, The Flagstaff House in Colorado and The Greenbriar. Harold’s serves creative American cuisine, with a farm-to-table focus.
Todd Erickson, Society
• Todd, a critically acclaimed culinary professional, has more than 10 years of experience. He is partner/executive chef of GLAM Vegan Miami and Huahua’s Taqueria, Miami, and most recently Society, Fort Myers. Society is a large-scale modern American steakhouse with focus on re-imagined Gulf Coast favorites and his flair for global cuisine.
Kenny Gilbert, Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen •
Kenny has worked at The Ritz-Carlton Company in Jacksonville and Jupiter, and The Lodge Sea Island Golf Resort, Georgia. He appeared on Bravo’s “Top Chef” before opening Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen, which serves a daily menu with local produce and a monthly special celebrating diverse international cuisine.
Gloria Jordan, La Trattoria Café Napoli • Gloria traveled
from Scandinavia to Europe for culinary training before purchasing La Trattoria Café Napoli in Fort Myers, an intimate restaurant serving highquality food inspired by Spanish and Italian cuisine. She mixes flavors from her Cuban family traditions and experiences to create a unique menu.
Anna Toole, Saboram •
Anna is a plant-based concierge chef. She trained under Über Maser Chef Daniel Boulud and Chef Patrice Boely at the Hotel Westbury-Polo Club in New York, and she worked various culinary positions in France, North Carolina, Hawaii and the Dominican Republic. She owns Saboram, a gourmet line of wine and bourbon desserts.
The amazing talent behind Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest’s vintner dinners and Grand Tasting includes names from around the world.
Mei Lin, Bravo TV’s Top Chef Winner • Mei trained in
many revered restaurants including Wolfgang Puck’s Spago Vegas and Michael Voltaggio’s Ink in Los Angeles. She recently earned the title of Top Chef on Bravo TV’s Emmy-winning show and is now dedicating her time to travel and research.
David Robbins, Crave Culinaire • David joined Crave
Culinaire with over 15 years of experience including Naples Grande Resort and Fiddler’s Creek Club and Spa, Naples, as executive chef. As a strong advocate of lifelong learning, he has been a stagiaire at restaurants ranging from Blue Hill, Stone Barn Farms, New York, to Malabar, Peru.
Brian Roland, Crave Culinaire • Brian has worked at
Restaurant Daniel and Café Boulud in New York City, Chops City Grill in Bonita Springs and Naples, and M Waterfront Grille, Naples. His personal chef concierge business, Crave Culinaire, specializes in personal chef weekly menus, in-home dinners, wine dinners and more.
Allen Susser, Chef Allen’s Consulting, Culinary Consultant • Allen built upon
his personal goal with tenure in the kitchens of Le Bristol Hotel in Paris and Le Cirque Restaurant in New York. He matured his techniques in South Florida, developing New World Cuisine. He owns Chef Allen’s Consulting, a boutique firm offering strategic culinary resources and direction.
Jason Mallon, Ocean Prime • Jason brings more than
15 years of experience to his role as executive chef at Ocean Prime Naples, a renowned seafood and steak restaurant and lounge. He worked his way up the ranks, starting as a broil cook at the Tampa location and has since thrived in the restaurant’s culture.
Andy Hyde, Chef Hyde Gourmet • Andy worked at the
Gordon Ramsey’s Hotel in Los Angeles, Bourchon Restaurant in Beverly Hills and the Michelin restaurant in Chicago before opening La Bazenne Restaurant on Fifth Avenue in Naples. His private chef services business, Chef Hyde Gourmet, offers private cooking, fine dining and gourmet catering services.
Brent Moore, Tiburón Golf Club • Brent has worked and trained
in restaurant and hotel markets across the country, working with top chefs including Thomas Salamunovich, Julian Serrano, David Burke and Paul Ferzacca. Now the executive chef of Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, he Incorporates local, seasonal and sustainable products into his “New American” creations.
Ignacio Ortiz, Roy’s • Ignacio
is no stranger to Roy’s “Ohana,” having previously worked at the locations in Bonita and Naples. In addition to techniques learned from Roy’s chefs, he received his business management degree from the University of South Florida. Ignacio serves as chef-partner at Roy’s in Bonita Springs.
Billy Vasseur, Quail West Golf & Country Club • Billy
has over 25 years of experience in renowned restaurants, hotels and country clubs in Massachusetts and Florida. He honed his ice carving skills at Boston Newton Marriot. He served as the head chef at Quail West Golf & Country Club from 1992-2000 and returned as executive chef in 2008.
Andreas Singer, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point •
Andreas started his culinary career as an apprentice in Austria, training in Classical Cuisine. Upon continuing his education, he worked in several resorts and positions in Austria, Switzerland, and Long Island, New York. Currently, Singer is the executive chef at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs.
Osmany Acosta, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee • Osmany worked for prestigious operations including Marriot Corporation, Joy Wallace Catering, Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, and also owns and operates his own catering company. He joined Seminole Casino Immokalee in 2009 as the opening chef of 1st Street Deli and now serves as the hotel’s banquet production chef. 36 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
grand | COVER STORY
AFTER GLOW CHEFS
( Backstory continued)
The After Glow party for unwinding after the event will be held on-site, featuring acclaimed pastry chefs Norman Love, Jean-Francois Suteau and Salvatore Martone, exquisite desserts, champagne and a surprise giveaway of a custom piece by jeweler Mark Loren.
Norman Love, Norman Love Confections • Norman Love Confections has been satisfying connoisseurs of fine chocolate since 2001, when founder, president and chef Norman Love first opened his facility in Fort Myers and introduced his masterpieces to the world. International acclaim immediately followed, and Love has been continually recognized as one of the top chocolatiers in the nation by industry publications as well as consumer media. Today, Norman Love Confections sells gourmet artisan chocolate creations to customers all over the country through NormanLoveConfections.com as well as through national retail partnerships and at his four chocolate salons in Southwest Florida.
Jean-Francois Suteau, The Greenbriar Hotel
• Since moving from France to America in 1992, Jean has been featured in Pastry Art Magazine and other publications featuring his wide range of skills. He was named one of the Top 10 Best Pastry Chefs in 2011 and U.S. Chocolate Master at the national World Chocolate Masters in 2013.
Salvatore Martone, Robuchon • Salvatore
began his education in Italy, and then attended The French Pastry School: Art de La Patisserie in Chicago. He has gained experience in the culinary arts in Nevada, California and New York City. He is now pastry chef at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at the Four Seasons Hotel in New York.
THE
Following a successful nine-year run at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club, the Grand Tasting and Live Auction will be held March 3 at Quail West Golf & Country Club in northern Collier County. Quail West has expanded and renovated its clubhouse, and it can accommodate up to 400 people, more than past years. “It’s a great venue. Geographically, it’s more central for people in Collier and Lee. Change is always good,” co-chair Elaine Hawkins says.
“With the children’s hospital, the need was overwhelming. Almost everyone has a child, relative or friend with a child touched by the hospital. It was amazing, the people who came on board,” Steve says. “Children and the health system, their needs are unlimited. Incubators are $65,000 — that’s a lot of money, but with that incubator, you’re saving several lives a year.” One year, SWFL Children’s Charities purchased nine of them. Steve paid significant attorney’s fees out of his own pocket and handled the nonprofit paperwork for nine months. No festival was held in 2007 as it underwent its rebirth. The 2008 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Festival marked the first year as a bona fide nonprofit. Twelve trustees, including Steve and Dave, committed $10,000 each. Chef Harold Balink volunteered to host a dinner, kicking off a popular tradition that continues today. Fancy auction lots featuring exotic trips, winery tours and wine lots were developed (100 percent of auction proceeds go straight to charity). They raised $625,000. “There was a lot of collective will. People were storing wine in their living rooms, stepping up and opening their homes. It created a group of likeminded people,” Carolyn says. “Yeah, they want to have a good time, but I think a lot of people gave until it hurt, because they believed so much in what they were trying to bring together. How can you not love something like that?” Dave and Cheryl Copham, Gulf Harbour residents, have been annual trustees since 2008. They’ve lent their yacht for a Bahamas vacation and private dinners. The first year they hosted a dinner, their waterfront neighbors called first responders because the Cophams shot fireworks in the Caloosahatchee (though they had received proper approvals). The first time the Cophams attended the auction, he recalls, they bought nine of the 16 auction items because bidding was slow. “It was pretty feeble. I thought, ‘We can do a lot better than this.’ It became a big objective for me that we got that $10 million we’d pledged.” The Cophams cajoled their neighbor, AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams, to donate his guitar for auction. The Cophams also brought Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane, co-founders of Benovia Winery in Santa Rosa, California, into the fold. The vintner has contributed more than $5.5 million through auction lots and cash. During his first visit to Lee County, Joe became a patient at Lee Health after suffering a cardiac issue. “They got him in, and at 10 in the morning, he was on the operating table for a bypass,” Dave says. “He still came to the auction the next day. You don’t think that didn’t endear him to us and us to him?” The Cophams pioneered “Fund a Cause,” in which people bid money on the cause itself — mental health services, neonatal equipment or cancer care, for example — without receiving anything in return.
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 37
THE
An exquisite dinner for 10 with Mondavi winery experts, extraordinary trips around the world and more await in the auction lots of the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest.
The annual auction of a pediatric patient’s painting has gone as high as $611,500. Each year, it is donated back to be hung in a hospital hallway gallery featuring the donor’s and artist’s names. “It’s a way to recognize patients who’ve gotten treatment, survived and moved on with their lives. And there are a lot of those children,” co-chair Elaine Hawkins says. This year, four new beneficiaries will receive 10 percent of the auction proceeds: PACE Center for Girls of Lee County, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida, SalusCare Inc. and The Heights Foundation.
Finland’s Winter Wonderland on the Arctic Circle » Eight-day private journey for two by
the exclusive Alexander & Roberts travel company to include outdoor adventures and four nights in a private log cabin with attached glass-domed igloo. Discover the landmarks of Helsinki’s Senate Square, join city residents in lively shops and sample local cuisine in this beautiful country. At an incredible Arctic resort deep in Lapland, you’ll spend four nights under the stars in a private log cabin with an attached glass-domed igloo. Fall asleep to the glow of the Aurora Borealis should they appear in the night sky. After expert instruction, you’ll set out in your own dogsled pulled by a team of trained huskies eager to run. The majesty and wonder of winter await.
Romance in Argentina » A lush and seductive escape
to stunning Argentina including private tours through the charming Mendoza wine region. Travel with your love to the romantic country of Argentina. This lavish trip includes visits to an artistic tango performance, premium wine tastings and a guided tour of Buenos Aires. Take in the exquisite landscape with your private helicopter tour over the Parana River. You’ll visit the private island of El Descanso with manicured gardens of incredible beauty. At the turn of each season, the garden delights visitors with a display of colors and perfumes that showcase the wonder of nature in its full grandeur. The fruits of the vine await in the Mendoza wine region, known as one of the most charming in the world. You’ll fall in love all over again.
38 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
A private journey » An adventure for four to the faraway lands of India and Nepal. Luxury accommodations welcome you home each night after days of exploring the rich culture and history of these amazing destinations. See the Taj Mahal in the golden glow of sunset, talk shop with the merchants of the legendary spice markets and visit the Sarnath, where Buddha chose to give his first sermon. Visit Durbar Square and Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient royal quarter, and travel to Bhadgaon, one of Nepal’s three medieval kingdoms.
Africa awaits » An insiders adventure to the magnificent African continent. Arrive in Cape Town, a harbor city where old and new converge in history, architecture and cultural pursuits. Ascend to the top of Table Mountain for dazzling views of city and sea. Discover Cape Point, the mountainous and scenic southwestern tip of this exquisite continent. Culinary adventures will surprise and delight, and you’ll also be treated to a drumming experience central to the African culture. A curated experience on the Franschhoek Wine Tram will immerse you in the over 300-year winemaking history with visits to wine estates and premium wine tastings. Close out your travels with a stay at National Geographic’s Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge where you’ll be up close to some of the world’s most beautiful creatures and big game animals.
Through the Rhine & Moselle Rivers » A premium Tauck River Cruise through two of Europe’s
most famous and historical rivers. Enjoy a 12-night cruise for four guests between Amsterdam and Basel. From the Netherlands to Switzerland, through Germany, France and Luxembourg, you’ll also visit Strasbourg, Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Bernkastel, Trier and Cochem. Guests will enjoy all meals, unlimited wine, beer and spirits on-board the ship. The winning bidder may also choose an alternate 8-day “Christmas Markets” journey sure to amaze and delight as Europe shows off a magical storybook St. Nick celebration.
Five Decades Dinner with Robert Mondavi Winery » An in-home dinner for
10 guests by the chef and winemakers of Robert Mondavi Winery. Robert Mondavi established his namesake winery in 1966 with a vision to create Napa Valley wines that stand in the company of the world’s finest. This auction lot includes a “Five Decades Tasting” of Mondavi vintages, including bottles from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s. Mondavi Director of Winemaking Genevieve Janssens will be your guide. To follow, a multi-course dinner prepared in your home and paired with current Mondavi vintages by Mondavi Executive Chef Jeff Mosher.
Julips & Jockeys » A trip for two to the tradition and heritage of the Kentucky Derby. Experience the most exciting two minutes in sports with this premium “insiders” package to attend the 2018 or 2019 (bidder’s choice of year) Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Sip on mint julips and mix and mingle with movie stars, models, elite sports celebrities and billionaire horse breeders from all over the world as they descend on the charming town of Louisville, Kentucky.
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 39
Let your beauty blossom... again Turn back time at the Center for Cosmetic Surgery. Facial rejuvenation procedures are our specialty, renewing your beauty and refining that bestowed by nature. Open yourself to a new world of confidence... and let your youthful essence blossom once again.
THE CENTER FOR COSMETIC SURGERY ROBERT D. KLAUSNER MD, FACS A Castle Connolly “Top Doctor” Listed in Consumer’s Research Council of America’s Guide to America’s Top Physicians Fellowship and Ivy League Trained • Double Board Certified – American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery American Board of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
Call now to make a reservation for our Complimentary Aesthetic Facial Rejuvenation Seminar Thursday, February 22, 2018, 7:00pm
239-498-4YOU (4968) • 1-800-481-FACE (3223) www.facialdoctor.com
Now open to beautiful possibilities serving Naples, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers.
STORY BY CATHY CHESTNUT PHOTOS BY NICOLE RAUCHEISEN
Meet Cowboy, a white German shepherd who is surrounded by art, affection and spa delights. Paul and Suzanne DeBruyne’s dog, Cowboy, an 8-year-old white shepherd, poses for a portrait at his owner’s home in Naples..
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 41
grand | PETS
uzanne DeBruyne grew up with German shepherds, with the first coming straight from Germany, but Cowboy is like a blank canvas to visitors of DeBruyne Fine Art in downtown Naples. Cowboy is a rarer white German shepherd from purebred show dog stock — and people often don’t make that connection. “We decided if we were going to have a dog, we did not want to leave him home all day; we wanted to bring him to the gallery,” Suzanne explains. Paul and Suzanne DeBruyne have operated their Naples art gallery since 1993. “What happens with white, as opposed to black and tan, is that people aren’t afraid to approach him. People walk up and ask to pet him. If he was black and tan, they wouldn’t do that. When we had a black and tan, people would cross to the other side of the street so they wouldn’t have to pass by.” Like the black and tan, white German shepherds are smart and low-key; they can be stubborn, need regular
42 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
exercise and are keenly attentive to their human parents. Working dogs are stockier, while show dogs are leaner with longer legs. Suzanne’s father, who was stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Germany, brought one home after being impressed with their specialized use on military bases. Her grandfather and aunt and uncle also had German shepherds. “They are a very stately breed. They’re impressive — so is Cowboy, until he rolls over and wants you to scratch his belly,” she says. German breeders, however, didn’t favor the white ones that occasionally arrived as a surprise in litters due to a recessive gene, and they were killed. Suzanne says Canadians whisked a few out and began breeding them, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in the 1990s. Cowboy, 7, received formal training as a puppy. “He’s a very powerful animal,” she says, noting German shepherds’ bites deliver 500 pounds of pressure. Don’t expect that from Cowboy, though. He is spoiled with weekly visits to Camp Bow Wow for a bath, FURminator de-shedding treatment, teeth brushing and blueberry facial, “which he adores.” Because shepherds are primarily a working breed,
they work to please and “have a tendency to be more easily trained. They crave that,” says Suzanne, who puts Cowboy through his paces each day as reinforcement: sit, stay, heel, come and wait. “Wait is my favorite. We don’t go through a door until he sits and waits and I say, ‘OK,’ and then he goes through,” she says. Cowboy is walked an hour and a half each day in 45-minute stretches, and runs and plays in the yard. He doesn’t maintain a standoffish affect. “Cowboy has the sweetest nature I have ever come across. He’s just a sweetheart. I am a little prejudice, but people tell me all the time he’s the sweetest they’ve ever seen,” Suzanne says. “He loves children and babies in strollers.” If the DeBruynes have a packed schedule that takes them in and out of the gallery, Cowboy goes to doggie day care to romp with other canines. “He’s very happy there,” Suzanne reports. He got his name when the DeBruynes owned their Cedar Creek Lake summer home in Texas to be near their grown children and grandchildren in the Dallas area. “We were the only Naples people who went somewhere hotter for summer,” Suzanne quips. Because the entire family are fans of the Dallas Cowboys, Cowboy has his own sports-logo bandanas to fit in.
MY Shower Door
A Division Of MY Shower Door
Wine Closets
Stop By One Of Our Conveniently Located Showrooms Glass Railings
Office Partitions License # SCC131151356
MYShowerDoor.com GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 43
grand | SHOPPING
THE
gift
love OF
There’s something quite lovely about finding that one thing that expresses how you feel, especially when it comes to that special person in your life. Whether it’s cheeky or sophisticated, debonair or delectable — there are so many ways to say “I love you,” but only you know what is just right.
— SARA COGGIN
‘Little red dress’ • A dress
that feels sexy and self-assuring. The sleeveless ruffle hem and racerback dress by Red Haute gives an air of romance and sophistication. Its relaxed, yet sleek fit transitions seamlessly from day to evening, making it a dress that will leave you feeling ready for any occasion. Priced at $130. Available at Jennifer’s, Fort Myers. 239-481-8582. jennifersfortmyers.com
44 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
Sweetie pies • Filled with love, the Sweet Pie Collection
for Valentine’s Day features 10 delectable, well-loved pie-flavored gourmet chocolates with an artisanal flair. These beautifully packaged specialty chocolates come in a variety of assortments, in prices ranging from $27 to $105. Available January 29 through February 14 at Norman Love Confections in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples.
Heart of gold
• This stunning diamond necklace shines almost as brightly as her heart. Made of platinum and 18-karat yellow gold, this exquisite heart pendant features 4.29 carats of yellow and white diamonds. Its gorgeous, multifaceted sparkle is sure to impress, and is sure to bring a sparkle to her eye. Price available upon request. Available at Dunkin Diamonds, Fort Myers and Naples.
Tie-ger love •
Suave Italian silk patterned with roses, hearts and tigers. What more could you ask for? The Tigerheart Silk Tie is made in Italy with 100 percent silk. This emblematic tiger represents strength, tradition and quality. Share the love of his inner tiger with this refined yet charming tie. Priced at $210, available at Nordstrom, Naples.
WE’VE MOVED!
Sexy steps
• All the hearts for these heels. The adorable Olidah heel features a sparkly red heart cutout on the backside of the strap. The black suede heels would be perfect for Valentine’s Day, for that date night with your special someone or even just to sport some self-love for the day. Available at Kate Spade for $228.
Subtle Clothing With Simple Sophistication
Never far from paradise • Keep home close
wherever you go with the Kathein Jewelers’ Paradise Found bracelet. The bangle displays the coordinates of Marco Island, or customize with the exact coordinates of your favorite spot. A plain cuff is priced at $2,100. Accent it with diamonds in the degrees and decimals for $2,400, or go all out with 2.9 carat total weight G-color, VS clarity diamonds (starting at $6,900 for full bangle). Available in 14-karat yellow, white or rose gold, as well as platinum and sterling silver. Available at Kathein Jewelers of Marco.
Design Center • 13251 McGregor Boulevard Suite 111-1 Fort Myers, Florida 33919 • 239-481-8582
www.jennifersfortmyers.com
The perfect fit • Love is a puzzle
worth solving time and time again. This beautiful designer brass jigsaw decor comes in the shape of a heart. The goldtone plate gleams with a refined luster and is a great reminder that sometimes the pieces just fit. This lovely objet d’art can be found at Nordstrom, priced at $250.
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 45
Now featuring Award Winning Designer Denny Wong
Shops of Marco 133 South Barfield Dr • Marco Island islandjewel@yahoo.com 239.259.8937 • www.katheinjewelers.com 46 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
Full-Service Jeweler GIA Graduate Gemologist 14K, 18K, Diamond, Platinum & Sterling Silver Jewelry Repairs & Restorations Custom Designs Fine Watch Service & Repair Pre-Owned Fine Watches Licensed Appraisals
grand | GETAWAY
STORY BY JENNIFER THOMAS
NAPA
IS OPEN
Photos courtesy of Black Sheep Adventures
Despite wildfires, many of Napa Valley’s iconic wineries and resorts are ready for visitors. With more than 400 options, we recommend taking it one tasting at a time.
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 47
grand | GETAWAY Auberge du Soleil, Calistoga Ranch, Solage Calistoga and Meadowood,
C
alifornia’s Napa Valley exudes natural beauty and scenic wonder, but most travelers come here to experience one or more of the region’s 400-plus wineries. Known for its cabernets, merlots and chardonnays, visitors can once again sample their way through the towns that make up Napa Valley: Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, the city of Napa and American Canyon. Napa’s resilience shines through despite recent wildfires. Many of its landmark wineries escaped without harm or have reopened. While some of the wineries are nestled in farmhouses, others look grand, like castles, or have tasting rooms embedded in wine caves. You could experience one winery every day for a year and still not see them all. Where to start? Consider starting at the beginning by visiting the oldest wine estate in Napa Valley: the Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena. “Charles Krug holds a unique place in American winemaking history as Napa Valley’s oldest wine estate and home to the first tasting room in California, which opened in 1882,” says co-proprietor Peter Mondavi Jr. “Since then, the winery has evolved into a world-class hospitality center with exceptional wines, stunning design and storied heritage. Our estate is truly a piece of living history, with spaces listed on the National Register of Historic Places.” Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased the property in 1943, making 2018 the 75th anniversary of Mondavi 48 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
family ownership of Charles Krug. “Charles Krug is best known for producing balanced, refined expressions of the classic Bordeaux varietals with a focus on cabernet sauvignon, merlot and sauvignon blanc,” Peter says. “The winery produces a wide range of wines from the readily accessible Napa-tier range to flagship offerings like the Generations Bordeaux blend and our annual vintage selection cabernet sauvignon.” Guests at Charles Krug are treated to an experience that fuses heritage and cutting-edge design with top-ofthe-line hospitality and wine and food offerings. “I always recommend that first-time visitors to Charles Krug opt for our Tour & Tasting option,” Peter says. “This 90-minute experience allows guests to really get a feel for the whole estate, from the farm-to-table gardens that we host for the neighboring Culinary Institute to the beautifully restored Redwood Cellar building with its magnificent barrel room and the Vintage Selection library, which holds vintages dating back to 1944.” Guests enjoy seated tastings in this winery tasting room. “The standard tasting features five small-lot, estate wines. They may include our limited-release sauvignon blanc, limited-release Malbec, Family Reserve Generations Bordeaux-style blend, vintage selection cabernet sauvignon and Cold Springs Howell Mountain cabernet sauvignon. Selections vary based on availability,” he says. “This flight is served with small bites from our in-house salumeria, Cucina Di Rosa. During warmer months, visitors can also head out onto the lawn to enjoy wine with a seasonal range of wood-fired pizzas that
our chef creates to order.” Cucina Di Rosa “pays tribute both to our family’s Italian heritage and to my grandmother, Rosa Mondavi. Rosa’s love for cooking traditional Italian foods is the inspiration for our salumeria, which serves handcrafted Italian cured meats and cheeses that pair beautifully with our wines,” Peter says. “We recently took this offering to the next level in partnering with acclaimed Sonoma County winemaker Pete Seghesio and his new business, Journeyman Meat Co., to craft five different types of handmade salumi using five different Charles Krug estate wines, available now at Cucina Di Rosa.” Those seeking an in-depth culinary and wine exploration can attend classes at The Culinary Institute of America at Copia, which opened in 2017. Spokesperson Adrienne DeAngelo says its most popular class is the Pairing Basics. “Also our chef ’s classes are in demand, like one we offer about homemade cheese,” she continues. “CIA at Copia routinely offers wine-tasting classes, including ‘How to Taste Wine in 90 Seconds’ and ‘The History of Napa Valley in 8 Glasses’.” Naples resident Laurie Rose, who owns Olde Naples Chocolate, has traveled to Napa Valley three times with her husband, Joe, and has her next trip planned in July for the Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon. She highly recommends visiting The CIA at Copia to partake in its iconic dinner. When visiting this wine-lovers location, Laurie says she always tries to visit her favorite wineries, including Rombauer Vineyards and Merryvale Vineyards in St. Helena and Cakebread Cellars in Napa. When visiting
grand | GETAWAY
these destinations, Laurie says, “I like to make reservations. I like to taste in small groups with more one-onone interaction.” Laurie’s favorite varietal is the WindRacer chardonnay. “It is part of The Spire Collection by the Jackson Family of wines. It’s a classic chardonnay.” When not drinking wine, Peter recommends visitors explore surrounding attractions, such as the Petrified Forest in Calistoga, the Calistoga hot springs, Robert Louis Stevenson State Park and Old Faithful Geyser of California. “These are only a few of the many attractions available to nature buffs while Napa Valley’s plethora of fine dining options can satisfy every palate,” he adds. Laurie also enjoys biking while in the valley. “My husband and I like to rent bikes. You can see a vineyard in a completely different view from a bike,” she says. “It’s nice to work out a little. You feel less guilty eating and drinking.” A multiday bicycle tour is a great way to experience Wine Country with all five senses, says Fred Ackerman, founder and “chief shepherding officer” for Black Sheep Adventures based in San Leandro, California. “It need not be a long day in the saddle, and many of our guests are not regular cyclists,” Fred explains. “In a typical day, many of our folks love to ride just 20 to 30 miles, then enjoy a great picnic with some wine tasting before heading back to the hotel to relax and refresh, maybe with a massage, before enjoying a great dinner together. We now offer e-bikes to make it even more accessible.” Another highly recommended experience is the
Oakville Grocery. It’s been a part of Napa Valley since 1881 and now offers locally sourced artisan foods. Where to relax after a day of tasting and biking? “We like sending our private tour groups that are looking for exceptional lodging to Auberge du Soleil, Calistoga Ranch, Solage Calistoga and Meadowood,” Fred says. Condé Nast Traveler recently named Auberge du Soleil the No. 1 Hotel in Wine Country on its 2018 Gold List. Inspired by the relaxed sophistication of the South of France and infused with California soul, Auberge du Soleil, the quintessential Napa Valley adult getaway, is Auberge Resorts Collection’s flagship resort and most awarded hotel in Napa Valley, according to resort spokesperson Elaine San Jose. “Terraced along a sunlit hillside and nestled among a 33-acre olive grove, the ‘Inn of the Sun’ is renowned for its culinary roots, sweeping vineyard views and exceptional service,” Elaine says. “The property features Wine Country’s most luxurious accommodations, spectacular valley views, a 12-time Michelin Star award-winning restaurant, sculpture garden and an exclusive, picturesque spa.” In addition to rooms and suites, the resort offers private maisons. There are two available, the Champagne and Loire, both with 1,800 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. “Both exclusive free-standing private maisons feature sweeping panoramic valley views and a spacious master bedroom with fireplace and sitting area,” she says. “Loire also includes a private fitness
studio and additional half bath.” While a winery is not directly on the property, across the street is the Quintessa vineyard. This winery features a facade of stone that captures Napa Valley’s historical stone use in buildings and bridges, and its natural landscaping of native plants and oak trees creates a subtle presence. “The design facilitates a gravity-flow process and a state-of-the-art winery specifically tailored to match the diverse blocks of the Quintessa vineyard,” explains winery spokesperson Toby Baird. “The winery roof doubles as the crush deck. Grapes are sorted and de-stemmed on the roof before passing through openings and funneled by gravity to fermentation tanks in the lower section of the winery. After fermentation, the wine ages in French oak barrels in 1,200 linear feet of caves dug into the hill behind the press hall.” Depending on the vintage, Quintessa may include some or all of the five varietals grown on the property: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot and Carménère. “Quintessa captures the essence of the Napa Valley from every vantage point,” Toby describes. “Here, the landscape rises and falls with undulating vineyard blocks set amidst natural vegetation and groves of ancient oaks.” With a rich family heritage in the vineyards, an iconic setting of rolling hills of vines, olive trees, fruit trees and gardens, and a diverse variety of wineries, Napa Valley is set to romance visitors for many years to come. GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 49
FREE FEBRUARY SEMINAR Volumizing Facelift: Fat vs Fillers 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 the 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 fat dissolving treatment, SculpSure ®.
Friday, February 23rd at 11:30am Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club 14500 Vista River Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Space is limited. RSVP Today.
grand | WINE
Love is in the air And wine is on the tongue.
F
ebruary is the perfect time to focus on wine. Coming off of the heel of the Naples Winter Wine Festival and prelude to the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Festival, it’s also the month of Valentine’s Day. Bruce Nichols, wine consultant for the Naples Winter Wine Festival and owner of The Wine Store in Naples, joins me this month to create our Grand Case.
Nichols looks for wines that tell a story of people, place and pedigree. His picks are wines that, he says, “excite me on so many levels — taste, value and purity.” He continues, “The wines on my shelves want to tell you their story. I think these six wines deliver that in spades.” My picks fill in the blanks with wines that are full of love from the label to the labor, good for your Valentine’s Day celebration, or really any occasion.
Fellowship Trained and Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Call 239.201.4786 se habla español
www.DrPrendiville.com 9407 Cypress Lake Dr. Ste A Ft. Myers, FL 1201 Piper Blvd., Unit 1, Naples, FL
Now Offering CBD (Cannabis) Massage
15% OFF Cannabidiol (Cbd) is EmErging as a PowErful suPPlEmEnt
with anti-inflammatory ProPErty and thE ability to hElP
sEvEral PrEviously untrEatablE disEasEs. rEsEarCh bEhind Cbd has found that it hElPs fight CanCEr, multiPlE sClErosis, anxiEty, and muCh morE. it also rEduCEs inflammation, trEats Pain, and PromotEs bonE growth and hEart hEalth. The Finest Relaxation Treatments From around the Planet Have Been Brought to Southwest Florida
239.599.5307 or AssuageCenters.com 9407 Cypress Lake Dr., Ste C, Fort Myers, FL 1201 Piper Blvd., Unit 1, Naples, FL 50 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
Krug Grande Cuvee Champagne, $150 » I never need a special occasion to pour a glass of bubbles, but what better time to pop a cork of Krug Champagne than on Valentine’s Day with that very special person in your life. The Grande Cuvee is a blend of more than 100 individual wines from 10 vintages, aged another six or more years to produce a bubbly of extraordinary character and flavor. Usually dominated by pinot noir offering generously, rich, full flavors. There is a reason why Krug is considered to be the world’s finest Champagne. It’s simply the most delicious among its peers.
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose, $79 » I think bubbles are the best when it comes to celebrations and love, not just the love of a significant other but also the love of food, the love of life and the love of well-made wine. This is classic rose Champagne, and it’s often considered the benchmark. It doesn’t scream but whispers romance. Pale pink and loaded with tiny bubbles, its nose is that of red fruit and its flavors are raspberry and strawberry with a crisp finish. Sipping this balanced blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier feels as elegant as the wine tastes.
GINA BIRCH
Gina Birch is the wine columnist for The NewsPress in Fort Myers. Follow her social media here: Twitter: @ginabirch Facebook: GinaBirch
Marin Ballad Garnacha, $20 » Its name is Ballad, but that is not exactly how it plays out on the palate. This wine from northern Spain is a tad more rock ‘n’ roll, ripe, a bit heavy on the palate, a little smoky, a little sexy and in an appealing package to boot. Ignacio Marin winemakers call it a “melody for the senses.” The fruit smells red but tastes like that of dark baked berries and prunes. There is a hint of cedar on the finish. The wine was designed for seduction, and if you’re not careful, you might just fall into it.
Domaine Gilles Lesimple Sancerre, $20 » From the small, Loire Valley village of Chavignol, home to the world’s greatest production of goat cheese, the fourth-generation grape grower Gilles Lesimple consistently produces valuedriven sauvignon blanc that displays a creamy richtextured wine framed by citrus, minerals and floral notes. This is the polar opposite of New Zealand and many California zesty, bold grapefruit styles. Its creamy, rich mouthfeel is very food-friendly.
BRUCE NICHOLS
Guest columnist, wine consultant for the Naples Winter Wine Festival and owner of The Wine Store in Naples
Domaine Alain Chavy Les Folatieres Puligny Montrachet, $78 » A sumptuous Premier Cru white burgundy from the east-facing Les Folatieres vineyard high on the slope of the Cote d’Or, the position of Domaine Alain Chavy’s small holding allows his chardonnay vines to capture the morning sun as it comes up over the horizon. Alain Chavy produces structured and long-lived white burgundies, preferring restrained wines that express terroir with ripe fruit flavors and good minerality.
Rose Infinie Blanc, $20 » Roses are not only a symbol of love and affection, in the vineyard they are often planted at the top of a row of vines as a line of defense against disease. If the health of the bush becomes compromised, it’s a warning sign for growers. While a rose is on the bottle and in the name of the wine, this one is a blanc, not a rosé, although Infinie does indeed bottle one (rosé). A refreshing blend of vermentino and ugni blanc, the wine has layers of fresh fruit and lots of finesse. It’s crisp with a touch of spicy herbs on the finish.
Kinsella Jersey Boys Cabernet Sauvignon, $128 » Love this wine and the fascinating story behind it. Make that “stories,” because it would take a small library to fill the umpteen chapters of Kevin Kinsella’s life. A Tony-award winner for producing the mega-hit Broadway musical “Jersey Boys,” he purchased more than 80 acres of Sonoma vineyards where he is producing critically acclaimed (Parker 95 points) cabernet sauvignon. Displaying fruit of such purity, this is a California cabernet that will soon make you forget they make wine just over the hill in a place called Napa.
Canard Coucher de Soleil Estate Rose, 2016, $30 » Pretty and pink, this is not a wimpy rosé, a porch pounder or a pool wine. Produced in Provencial style yet uniquely Napa Valley, the blend of merlot, cabernet franc and zinfandel provides superb structure along with elegance. Mmmm, strawberries and peaches, it’s like sunset in a bottle. The name actually means “sunset,” and that’s what it looks like in the bottle, those lingering pale pink hues after the sun dips into the water. Perhaps that is the perfect time to pop the cork on this one, but you might have to do a little searching to find a bottle. Only 200 cases were produced, but some have made their way into Southwest Florida wine boutiques and restaurants.
Sauska Cuvee 7, $48 » I love tasting people blind on wines that take them out of the comfort zone. Owner Christian Sauska owns a home in Naples but has lived a storied life. Having escaped communism in Europe, Christian landed in the USA penniless, sweeping floors in a light bulb factory in Connecticut. Today, Christian owns that factory. A traditional Bordeaux blend (60 percent cabernet sauvignon, 25 percent cabernet franc and 15 percent merlot), the nose explodes with red and dark fruits, chocolate and spice. Soft tannins, extraordinary balance and a long finish bring incredible enjoyment in every sip. From Hungary, these wines are soon-to-be a household name in America.
Keenan Reserve Mernet 2012, $100 » Many of the wines I’ve selected have been feminine; I say this one is handsome. I tried this vintage while dining beside owner of Keenan Winery Michael Keenan and immediately connected with his philosophy of making wines that respond to food not enhance it. Mernet initially came about as an accidental blend of cabernet and merlot. The 2012 has a little cabernet franc in it, and it’s a fruity, spicy keeper. Keenan came up with the blended name while in the shower, and it has turned out to be one of his most coveted creations; only 500 cases were produced.
Chateau Paradis 2012, $25 » It’s hard to get away from France when picking wines for a month noted for love. From Provence, this is a ripe blend of 50 percent cabernet sauvignon, 30 percent syrah and 20 percent grenache. The grapes are lovingly picked by hand; half of the juice is fermented in oak, the other half in unlined concrete tanks. The result is a deliciously dense wine with dark plums and dark chocolate. This is a wine that will get even better with a little more time in the bottle. The wine must have been made with love and romance in mind, why else would there be a small cupid at the bottom of the label?
Lingua Franca Avni Pinot Noir, $40 » A terrific collaborative effort by arguably the world’s top Master Sommelier Larry Stone and celebrated burgundy vintner Dominique Lafon, Lingua Franca successfully sets out to produce one of America’s greatest pinot noirs. Comparisons to Premier Cru burgundy are hard to resist. From vineyards planted in the Eola-Amity foothills of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, this wine has a wonderful balance of structure and elegance. Linqua Franca has come out of the gate with its very first wines firing on all cylinders with dark red fruits, spice and a long extracted finish. Serious drinking made easy. *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.
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 51
it’s not just an emblem, it’s a sign o f r e s p e c t.
from
genesis g80
389
$
per month 36 months
We invite you to lease a Genesis G80 3.8L V6 for $389 a month. Respect is at the core of who we are. Whether it’s respect for your well-being with all our most advanced safety, standard. Or respect for your time with 3-Year Complimentary Service Valet. In a world scrambling to put itself first, respect is a breath of fresh luxury. O’Brien Genesis of Fort Myers 2850 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966 888-848-9887 www.obriengenesis.com On Approved Credit Payment Plus, Tax, Tag and Title. On new 2017 Genesis G80 3.8L vehicles in dealer stock only. 36 month Close-End Lease. Total Due at Signing $4230. No security deposit required. Stock number H224108. At lease end, lessee responsible for excess wear and mileage at $.20/ mile over 10,000 miles per year. Ultra-low mileage lease. Lessee has option to purchase at lease-end price negotiated at signing. Dealer price may vary. See participating Genesis dealer for details. Offer ends 1/31/18.
grand | RIDE
George Krause’s 1956 Triumph TR3 sports car
STORY BY STEPHANIE BORDEN | PHOTOS BY LOGAN NEWELL
UNSWERVING
DEVOTION Even 40 years of Minnesota’s bitter cold could not part George Krause from his 1956 Triumph TR3.
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 53
grand | RIDE
W
hile most of us shudder at the headlines of blizzards up North, local car collector George Krause gets sentimental about piloting his 1956 Triumph TR3 sports car along icy roads for more than 40 years. George lived in Watertown, New York, close to the Canadian border, when he bought the TR3 convertible new in December 1956 for $2,950. “I couldn’t wait for a warm day to drive it with the top down,” he remembers. “I waited until a day in March when it got up to 50 degrees. I got about 10 miles down the road before turning it around and hotfooting it back home. I was frozen!” In November 1959, he drove the TR3 to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he and his family spent the next 40 years. “It was our only car,” he says, “and we got a lot of strange looks when we stopped for fuel. The Triumph has a small heater that worked great in a small space. I drove with my right leg under the heater, so I would joke that I had third-degree burns on that leg and my left leg was frostbitten.” Overnight, George had to take the car’s battery into their apartment on arctic Minnesota nights to keep it warm enough to fire up the next morning. Triumph sold the TR3 from 1955 through 1962, George says, and the sports car’s profile was so low you could hang your left arm over the cutaway doors and scrape the roadway with your knuckles. Along with the MG and the Austin-Healey, the Triumph attracted American fans who rejected huge and heavy American-made chariots in favor of nimble sports cars whose designers prioritized performance over prestige. George’s Old English White TR3 features side curtains instead of glass windows to minimize weight. “A lot of GIs had discovered European sports cars while serving overseas,” explains George. “For the first time, they saw cars that were designed to be fast and fun to drive and to race. They were totally different from American sedans.” Back home in the 1950s, he says, British sports car drivers formed an informal fraternity. “We would wave to each other when we passed on the road.” George still owns his 1956 two-seater, now classified as an antique automobile, making him quite unusual in the vintage car arena. He has remained a devotee of Triumph as a member of the local Triumph and British car clubs. He still drives the TR3 regularly and enters it in classic car events, winning second place in a national competition and first in a recent British car show in Safety Harbor near Tampa.
54 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
Now 62 years old, his Triumph reflects countless fond memories, including the day he and his wife drove home from the hospital with precious cargo — their newborn son, William. As Bill grew up in Minnesota, he inherited his father’s passion for the Triumph marque and worked as a professional in the automotive publishing community. At age 30, Bill kick-started a full restoration of the family’s ‘56 TR3 that lasted six years. “When it was finished, it was virtually a new car with matching
numbers,” George recalls. Bill recently wrote a comprehensive history of Triumph sports cars, published in 2017 by CarTech and sold in Barnes & Noble stores and on Amazon. Inside the pages of “The Illustrated History of Triumph Sports and Racing Cars” by G. William Krause, you can view photos of his dad, George, and read about Bill’s first Triumph TR3 ride when he was only 2 days old.
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 55
VERSATILITY, REINVENTED. Designed to help you master what’s ahead. From its confident stance to its spacious and versatile cabin, the Cadillac XT5 is an entirely new kind of crossover.
VAL WARD CADILLAC ABOUT US Our unmatched service and diverse Cadillac inventory have set us apart as the preferred dealer in Fort Myers. Visit us today to discover why we have the best reputation in the Fort Myers area.
valwardautos.com
56 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
LOCATION 12626 S Tamiami Trail Fort Myers FL 33907 US
SALES 877.343.3871 Mon-Fri 8am-6pm Sat 10am-4pm
©2016 General Motors. All Rights Reserved. Cadillac®
SERVICE 877.366.8879 Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm Sat 8am-3pm
grand | EVENTS
HONORING THE GRANDE DAMES
The PACE Center for Girls recognizes the important work of women over decades of our local history.
W
Barbara Jean Yeomans, 84, of Fort Myers, is an internationally acclaimed artist whose work is shaped by extraordinary circumstances. Born in England before World War II, Barbara was 6 years old when her family home was destroyed by a bomb. She remembers the explosions, gas masks and going back to sift through the rubble. In time, she fell in love with an American soldier, Sherrill Yeomans, and immigrated to the U.S., to Fort Myers. While raising three children here, she volunteered as an arts teacher and created three-dimensional fabric
omen’s issues have been front and center for much of the last year. But the issues have always been there. And for the past decade, the PACE Center for Girls of Lee County has been honoring women who have had major roles in our region’s history through decades of service, philanthropy and helping others. PACE holds its 10th annual Grande Dames Tea on March 13. PACE helps girls ages 11-18 face their challenges, be it abuse, violence, academic struggles, the death of a parent or a family member’s incarceration. This year’s Grande Dames honorees include an accomplished artist, a hard-working volunteer and a major force in helping others overcome addiction.
wall hangings for local decorators. After Sherrill died in 1985, Barbara threw herself into her art and went back to school. Over the last 30 years, she has had several one-woman shows in Florida, England, New Jersey and New York. Her work hangs in places such as Milan, Hong Kong and Montreal. She has also helped local charities through her donoradvised fund at the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, the Women’s Legacy Fund and a scholarship in Sherrill’s name at Florida SouthWestern State College.
R.S. Walsh Landscaping Premier Landscape Architecture & Design Firm
•
Design • Installation • Custom Maintenance
•
www.rswalsh.com (239) 768.5655
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 57
grand | EVENTS Dena Geraghty, 79, of Fort Myers, turned her own challenges into decades of helping others. She has numerous accomplishments to her name, but the one that shaped her life the most is perhaps overcoming alcoholism in the 1980s. She now celebrates 31 years of sobriety. She earned a degree in nursing and began working in the field of addiction in 1991. She coached young people in the Juvenile & Dependency Drug Courts from 1999 to 2016. She trained drug court teams throughout the nation through the National Drug Court Institute. She served as assistant coordinator of the Lee County Felony Drug Court. “Any place where recovery is needed, especially with women, is where I want to be. This work is my passion, and an important part of who I am,” she says. Dena is active with many other organizations, too. For four years, she was chair of the Grande Dames Tea and helped shape it into a major fundraiser for PACE. She continues to be involved on the board of directors and the state board of trustees.
Elizabeth “Betty” Gardner Sanders,
78, of Fort Myers, has been serving her community most of her life. She was on the Community Council for the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. She’s been in leadership roles with Epsilon Sigma Alpha (Gamma Rho chapter) on local, state, regional and international levels. She’s been a member or leader of numerous other organizations, too, and has raised more than $80,000 to support a project for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She also has been active at First Baptist Church of Fort Myers for 56 years (now known as Citygate Ministries). Betty and her husband, Julius Sanders, owned and operated a vegetable packing house in Immokalee and raised three children here. In 1989, a hard freeze destroyed their produce business, so she went to work at the Edison Pageant of Light office and remained there for 10 years. She still volunteers for the organization. “My mother worked into her 80s,” Betty says. “She always wanted me to get a good education so that I could support myself and be independent.”
For the first time, PACE is naming an honorary Grande Dame. Eunice Barfield Bremner, 98, of Fort Myers, has lived here most of her life, moving to the area when she was a child. After graduating from Fort Myers Senior High in 1936, she and her late sister, Berne Davis, moved into an apartment downtown. Eunice worked as a secretary and eventually worked on many of Fort Myers’ leading property transfers and deeds with attorney Frank C. Alderman Jr. as his legal secretary. She continued working well into her 70s, retiring in 1995. Married to Alexander Bremner in 1957, the couple had one child, Alexandra. Eunice has also devoted her time to the Edison Pageant of Light, Town & Gown of FGCU and the Fort Myers Community Concert Association.
New Year, Neu You! Be the BEST VERSION of you and enhance your appearance with Eyelid Surgery Stephen A. Jones, DO
Board Certified Ophthalmic Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon Schedule your consultation today and meet one-on-one with Dr. Jones to discuss your options. 6900 International Center Blvd. • Fort Myers 860 111th Avenue North • Naples
(239) 936-4706 58 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
www.CollinsVision.com
asdfasdfasdf Orum faccus es anditio tet dolorporeic tem quos reptate est, iniscipicid ut ad quam fugiat quibus culles iust reptium eum ut dolutatur aliquam, suntotat. Nam iunt l
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 59
Talis Park’s award-winning Vyne House clubhouse
Talis Park’s “Beach Runner” whisks members away to the Beach This season, Talis Park homeowners, members and their guests enjoy complimentary, concierge-style beach transportation via the Beach Runner, the North Naples community’s exclusive new shuttle service. A Mercedes Sprinter which seats 10-12 people, The Beach Runner provides quick, comfortable transportation to and from the white sands of Vanderbilt Beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Trips begin at 10:00a.m. daily, with the last trip back to Talis Park departing Vanderbilt Beach approximately 30 minutes after sunset. “The Beach Runner makes spending time together at the beach so much more convenient for Talis Park homeowners and their families,” said Milt Flinn, Chief Operating Officer, Talis Park. “Naples is wellknown for its Gulf beaches and legendary sunsets, and we’re proud to make it easier than ever for our members to enjoy them.” Talis Park beach concierges offer complimentary chairs, towels and water. A special menu prepared and pre-packed by Talis Park catering staff is also available. Members enjoy charging privileges at nearby
60 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
Cabana Dan’s for rentals, beachwear, and sundries. The Beach Runner is the newest example of Talis Park’s new-fashioned, “come-as-you-are” philosophy, eschewing traditional country club models and providing diverse opportunities for members to live the best versions of their lives among exclusive privacy and concierge-style service. From daily fitness classes, sports clinics, and costume parties to ballroom dancing and cooking classes, bocce nights, and outdoor movies and concerts, the community’s social calendar offers something for everyone. Talis Park’s center of activity is its award-winning Vyne House clubhouse and 18-hole Greg Norman/ Pete Dye-designed golf course, one of only two Norman/Dye collaborations worldwide. Vyne House offers formal and casual indoor and alfresco dining, two fitness studios, spa, fully-stocked wine room, resort-style pool with spacious pool deck and rotunda, and more. The Casa Cortese sports pub, adjacent to the driving range, is a great spot for sports enthusiasts. The community’s sports complex features six lighted
Har-Tru tennis courts, tennis pro shop, bocce courts, lap pool, and playground. Tree-lined streetscapes offer an ideal setting for walking, jogging, and biking while nature trails provide an opportunity to experience nature on a more intimate level. Residences in Talis Park include terrace homes, penthouse-style condominiums, resort-style coach homes, single-family residences, and showcase estate homes priced from the $600’s into the millions. Furnished models are available for viewing seven days a week. Prospective homebuyers may experience Talis Park’s amenities and atmosphere by participating in the community’s Gold Pass program. Gold Pass holders enjoy member status and amenities access for two consecutive days, including one round of golf at the member-guest rate. Program details are available by calling (239) 292-0846. For more information, visit the Garden House Information & Sales Center at 16980 Livingston Rd., call 239-449-5900 or visit talispark.com.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SEC TION
INTRODUCING TALIS PARK’S PRIVATE BEACH SHUTTLE The Beach Runner whisks members and their guests away to the white sands of Vanderbilt Beach on the Gulf of Mexico! Special pre-packed beach side menu available Towels, beach chairs, and complimentary water included Enjoy charging privileges at Cabana Dan’s
MODE L HOM ES OPE N DA I LY
i v i n g Seas on!
L
Garden House Information & Sales Center 16980 Livingston Road 239.449.5900 TalisPark.com
Mov Lu x u e in Thi s
ry
A new flavor of luxury 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.
There’s one community in Southwest Florida unlike any other. Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club is artfully designed, melding water, architecture and fine living for a more luxurious and enjoyable way of life. Miromar Lakes draws together people who believe in enjoying the most of each sun-drenched day. Inspired by the Italian and French Rivieras, Miromar Lakes was brought to life through the vision of developer Margaret Antonier, Miromar Lakes’ founder and CEO. No matter what part of the community you want to enjoy, chances are the water will take you there. On a sunny day waterskiers test their skill on the vast 700-acre freshwater lake, kayakers paddle across the clear blue water and children play on three miles of private white sand beach. You will find residents relaxing in the private beach cabanas, gazing at the lake over the 10,000-squarefoot infinity-edge swimming pool, attending a fitness class or having a luxurious treatment at the full-service European-style wellness spa. Others cruise by boat to the Blue Water Beach Grill for lunch or to The Marina on The Peninsula for fishing or a game of bocce. Mixed with the water at Miromar Lakes is a
62 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
Five-Star Living
vibrant and dynamic social scene. Hundreds of events fill the yearly social calendar, ranging from wine pairing dinners and gourmet cooking classes to nightly happy hours, dinner dances and movie nights in the private 50-seat theater. When you own a home at Miromar Lakes, personal service is at the forefront. The community offers the finest five-star resort amenities. Concierge services include everything from making dinner reservations at one of the community’s three restaurants to house cleaning, airport transpor-
tation and stocking your refrigerator before your arrival. Miromar Lakes Golf Club recently debuted its newly remastered par-72 course, the only Arthur Hills Signature championship golf course in Southwest Florida and a winner of Golfweek’s Best Residential Course of Distinction award. At the Tennis Club, serious players and beginners alike can find the perfect mix of play and socializing on and off the seven Har-Tru courts. Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club has received more than 180 international, national, regional and local awards, including the most prestigious Gold Award for #1 Community in the United States from the National Association of Home Builders, the only Florida community in history to win this top honor. Miromar Lakes Beach Clubhouse also received the Gold Award from the NAHB for the Best Clubhouse in the United States. No other community has ever won both awards. In 2017, Miromar Lakes was named Best MasterPlanned Community of the Year and Residential Developer of the Year, and its fabulous Beach Clubhouse received both the Best Clubhouse Exterior and Best Clubhouse Interior awards.
Discover An Extraordinary Way of Life... THE #1 COMMUNITY IN THE USA* 700 Acre Lake | 3 Miles of White Sand Beach | Boating Water Skiing | Kayaking | 2 Marinas Signature Championship Golf | Tennis | Bocce Courts Fitness | Wellness Spa | 3 Restaurants | Dynamic Social Scene All in one Luxurious Location
The Highlands Luxury Golf Villa by Randall Mitchell Custom Homes in Villa d’Este
The Cilento Luxury Villa by London Bay Homes in Portofino
The Hemingway Grand Estate Home by Randall Mitchell Custom Homes in Sorrento
The Tortola Luxury Villa by Seagate Development Group in Salerno
The Sedona II Luxury Villa by Arthur Rutenberg Homes in Cortona
The Seabrook Luxury Villa by Harbourside Custom Homes in Salerno
MiromarLakes.Com•239.425.2340•877.809.9444•10160 Miromar Lakes Boulevard, Miromar Lakes, Florida 33913•New Construction Homes from $1.2 Million to over $7 Million. *National Association of Home Builders GOLD AWARD winner for Community of the Year and Best Clubhouse, the only Florida winner in history. 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. Copyright © 2018, Miromar Development Corporation. Miromar Lakes is a registered service mark of Miromar Development Corporation. 0218-3054
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 63
The Cristale Model
Stock Custom Homes: Building Excellence at the Parade of Homes Quail West is one of the most prestigious and beautiful luxury communities in Southwest Florida, offering world-class golf and a resort lifestyle. From the lush, tropical canopy at its approach, to its streets winding through majestic preserves and past manicured fairways and pristine lakes, Quail West is unmistakably unique to the real estate marketplace. During this year’s LBIA Parade of Homes, guests may tour several of Stock Custom Homes’ spectacular models at Quail West. The Parade is open February 24-26 and March 3-5. The hours are 10 a.m. to 5p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is free. Behind the privacy gates of Quail West, Stock Custom Homes’ new Cristale estate home model overlooks the manicured 11th hole of the community’s pristine Lakes course. The Cristale is a four-bedroom plus library/fourand-a-half-bath home with 4,427 square feet under air and 7,190 total square feet, including two, two-car garages with a porte cochere and motor court. The grand estate also features a parlor greeting area, a formal dining room, a double-island kitchen and family room, a master bedroom with its own cov-
64 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
ered lanai, and an outdoor living area measuring 876 square feet and featuring a summer kitchen, fireplace, pool, and spa, all overlooking the golf course and lake beyond. The Cristale features an interior by Diana Hall and Laurie Walter, of Cinnabar Design. The interior’s transitional design includes traditional lines and cool white and soft gray backgrounds with accents of silver gray and aqua. Flooring throughout the living areas is medium toned cerused European oak. A crema marfil and travertine mosaic stone flooring inlay greets visitors in the foyer, which opens to a parlor that includes bumped out feature walls clad in a backlit wood panel detail. In the dining room, an earthy rectangular wood dining table is surrounded by upholstered chairs, while a sliding wooden barn door opens to a passageway leading to the kitchen. The dining room itself is served by a butler’s pantry and a walk-in wine room with a horizontal bottle display. In the double-island kitchen, the counter surface on the islands and perimeter is Carrara Quartzite and there is a built-in window seat in the breakfast area. Oversized furniture pieces convey a relaxed look in
the family room. The room also has a coffered tongueand-groove ceiling detail that mimics the treatment over the islands in the kitchen. Ninety-degree pocketing sliders open to the outdoor living area. A tonal cream, beige, and off-white color palette creates a spa-like feeling in the master bedroom, which features a smaller, square within a square ceiling detail in a sitting area that includes a chaise and a small drink table. Three walls surrounding the master bath’s freestanding tub are clad with a running pattern of 12-by-24-inch Carrara marble. A seaglass and Carrara marble tile mosaic inlay under the tub portrays a carpet, and the shower walls mimic the inlay. In keeping with Stock Custom Homes’ penchant for creating remarkable outdoor spaces, the Cristale’s outdoor living area includes a fireplace wall with pavers and a television set across the top and a hefty, six-inch rustic driftwood mantle. Facing the fireplace, a conversation area is outfitted with two sofas and a cocktail table. The Cristale is priced at $3,580,105, including furnishings. Visit Stock Development online at www. stockdevelopment.com or call 239-592-7344.
PRESENTS THIS YEAR’S LBIA-LIST now showing in BABCOCK RANCH | ESPLANADE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB OF NAPLES HIDDEN HARBOR | QUAIL WEST | TWINEAGLES
THE LBIA PARADE OF HOMES SATURDAY & SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24th–MARCH 11th Come tour our spectacular fully furnished models in the finest communities during the LBIA Parade of Homes. From quality-built Classic Homes to masterfully crafted Signature Residences to uniquely inspired Custom Estates, we have an impressive collection of dream homes to call your own, including many move-in-ready opportunities.
For directions and complete listings of all our models & communities please visit StockDevelopment.com 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.
FLStockDevelopment
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 65
Peace. Of Mind.
Find your inner peace at ONE. A life where you can be you. Located in the historic River District, ONE features 28 uniquely designed waterfront residences. Amenities befitting a peaceful lifestyle including yoga pavilion, meditation area, kayak launch, pet salon and more. ONE. For peace of mind.
Priced from the low $500s to over $2 million, ONE is one in a million.
Sales Gallery: 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers, FL 33901
•
239-500-5294 Ext. 1
•
All dimensions, terms, specifications and prices are subject to change without notice. All images are conceptual renderings and developer reserves the right to make modifications without prior notice.
OneFtMyers.com
grand | MAKE IT A DOUBLE
THINGS ARE POPPIN’ AT MANTRA A tower of Veuve Cliquot provides a popular photo op at Mantra. Friday Bubble Q Happy Hour is a signature event at the Naples Grande Beach Resort
The Naples Grande Beach Resort reopens its lobby bar with a new design and new name.
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 67
grand | MAKE IT A DOUBLE
THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Bartenders go through dozens of bottles of bubbles at Friday’s Bubble Q Happy Hour. • The Mai Thai at Mantra gets a floater of Wicked Dolphin Dark Rum before being served. • The White Dragon is one of Mantra’s new sake cocktails. • A $10 Friday night barbecue special of beef tenderloin and crunchy salmon roll. • The Big Kahuna sushi roll is a big hit at Mantra.
STORY BY GINA BIRCH | PHOTOS BY DOROTHY EDWARDS he pop of a cork. Its sound does something amazing to people, even those who don’t drink Champagne. It creates excitement. It’s the promise of a celebration, of something good to come. And it’s a sound you hear all night long at Bubble Q Happy Hour on Fridays at Mantra. Mantra is the new bar at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. Hurricane Irma forced the posh Naples resort to close its doors for the first time in 31 years. When it reopened December 15, the lobby bar had been redesigned, reimaged and renamed. The menu has an Asian flair with a sushi and ramen bar, and drinks that beg to be photographed and posted on social media. The Blood Harvest ($13) is one of them. The warming cocktail has Maker’s Mark small batch bourbon whiskey, Solerno Blood Orange Liquor, lemon juice and house-made honey pepper syrup, garnished with a dehydrated blood orange wheel. The White Dragon ($14) is a sexy smooth sake cocktail with Belvedere grapefruit vodka, Cointreau triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup and white cranberry juice. If you like a Mai Thai ($14), try Mantra’s version, where locally distilled Wicked Dolphin dark rum is used for a flavorful floater. The bar concept might be new, but the popular Friday Bubble Q has remained the same. 68 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
Beginning at 5 p.m., Veuve Clicquot is a mere $5 a glass, Champagne that easily costs $20 a glass at other establishments. At the turn of the hour, the lighting at the bar changes colors, and the price goes up one dollar to match: $6 at 6, $7 at 7, until 9 p.m. Putting even more happy into the hour is a $10 barbecue dish of the day. For us it was tender slices of beef tenderloin with a skewer of shitake mushrooms and a honey sriracha sauce. The plate also had a delicious crunchy salmon roll. Food and Beverage Director Eddie Thomas says, “We want the public to come in for some fun after a long work week.” With live entertainment, superb, affordable food, and Champagne at jaw-dropping prices, no wonder Mantra is a Friday night hot spot.
Whether you are emptying or re-organizing your home, buying new furniture, moving to a new home, changing offices, cleaning up a construction site, Junkluggers eco-friendly junk removal and donation process could not be simpler! 1. Schedule a free no obligation estimate with the Junkluggers guarantee. 2. They safely take your items away and donate! 3. Your tax-deductible receipt can sometimes off-set most or even all of the cost of their services depending on the items they donate on your behalf!
The Junkluggers of Collier & Fort Myers
THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Blood Harvest is a new bourbon-based cocktail, warming and festive. • Ramen is one of the new highlights at Mantra; you can interact with chefs as they prepare it. • The lobby bar at the Naples Grande has a new name, Mantra, and a new look. • Besides Champagne, try a range of premium spirits at Mantra.
239-307-2979 www.junkluggers.com
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 69
Beautiful Homes
BEGIN AT NORRIS
EXCLUSIVELY AT NORRIS
AWARDWINNING INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES | FINE FURNITURE | UNIQUE ACCESSORIES NORRISFURNITURE.COM | FORT MYERS • NAPLES • SARASOTA • SANIBEL
grand | ARTS
aZZED UP
J
STORY BY CATHY CHESTNUT
Looking for a sizzling way to wake up Cupid?
“If music be the food of love, play on” is a famous line from Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” but we’re long past that celebration and looking ahead to another reason to swoon: Valentine’s Day. Whether you are single, have aged together with your partner or are trying to devise a creative, firsttime way to mark this romantic milestone with your match.com find, consider jazz to quicken the visceral vibes and feed the soul. George Gershwin famously noted, “Life is a lot like jazz... it’s best when you improvise,” and there are several venues for doing just that.
February 17: On Sanibel Island at BIG Arts, step in time with the Hot Sardines as they effortlessly channel New York speakeasies, Parisian cabarets and New Orleans jazz halls. “As we explored this 100-year-old jazz, we began to look at it as a journey forward, not so much as a look back. This is music for today, not a museum piece,” says bandleader Evan Palazzo. The London Times calls them “simply phenomenal.” They’ve made waves at the Newport Jazz Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival, so they won’t disappoint. 8 p.m., bigarts.org
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 71
grand | ARTS February 14: All That Jazz at Artis–Naples’ Daniels Pavilion pairs the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra with special guest artist Steve Wilson, called “one of the finest saxophonists in the business” (NPR) and “essential to this city’s jazz landscape” (The Wall Street Journal). There are two performances, so make it a show and dinner date. 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., artisnaples.org
February 15: In Fort Myers, Willie Jones III and Friends takes the stage at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers with a bold articulation and innovative sense of swing. Jones is a world-class jazz drummer whose earliest exposure to music was through his father, Willie Jones II, a notable jazz pianist. Jones III has played with a long list of renowned musicians: Sonny Rollins, Ernestine Anderson, Bobby Hutcherson, the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band and Herbie Hancock. His earlier, hard-swing band, Black Notes, toured Europe and across the U.S. and was the opening act for Wynton Marsalis. This performance also features the Bill Cunliffe Trio. Cocktails at 7 p.m., performance at 8 p.m., sbdac.com February 9: The Birdland All-Stars featuring Tommy Igoe have
been thrilling audiences at Birdland in New York City (known as the Jazz Corner of the World) for the last 10 years. They are hitting the road for the first time in five years, and BIG Arts on Sanibel Island is on their itinerary. The Birdland All-Stars presents new arrangements that feature the music of David Bowie, The Police and Steely Dan, as well as fresh treatments of iconic compositions by Charlie Parker, Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock. Bandleader Tommy Igoe’s drumming “defies the laws of physics,” says International Jazz Herald. He created the drumset book for Disney’s Broadway production of “The Lion King” and served as the production’s associate conductor. 8 p.m., bigarts.org
February 23: The Bonita Springs Center for Performing Arts-Hinman Auditorium brings on the heavy horns with The Dan Heck Blues and Truth Sextet, featuring the music of Charles Mingus, Oliver Nelson and Julian Edwin “Cannonball” Adderley. This high-energy ensemble takes its name from Nelson’s seminal jazz album “Blues and the Abstract Truth.” Dan Heck is on bass and Dan Miller lays on the trumpet. 7:30 p.m., artcenterbonita.org
All month: Slate’s Sidedoor Jazz Club on Candia Street in Cape Coral features craft cocktails, gourmet morsels and premier regional jazz throughout the week. slatescapecoral.com
The Wisdom of Age
Honoring the Female Spirit Join us for an afternoon of inspiration, as our community’s most revered women share their life-long experiences with the PACE girls of Lee County. DENA GERAGHTY
BETTY SANDERS
BARBARA YEOMANS
2009
10 t
TEA
h A n n i v e r s ary
2018
TUESDAY MARCH 13, 2018 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd. $60 per person $500 Table of 8 Hats Encouraged
- Honorary Grande Dame Eunice Barfield Bremner Reserve online or by phone starting February 1st. • www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee • 239-425-2366 ext 2315
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Alexandra Bremner • Susan Bennett Marketing & Media • Fort Myers Infiniti • Mark Loren Designs• Connie & Ed Lizak 72 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
Master of Ceremonies Bill Barker, President & Publisher The News-Press Media Group Proceeds help PACE Center for Girls of Lee County provide girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy.
M A T T E R moments MB-028 Sarasota MAg Press.qxp_Layout 1 8/18/17 5:01 PM Page 1
®
Every room holds the quiet anticipation of being lived in.
M AT T E R
moments
®
®
Every room holds the quiet anticipation of being lived in.
®
It’s that deep breath of contentment as you fluff that It’s that deep breath of contentment last pillow right before the doorbell rings and your as you fluff that last pillow right guests arrive. We know sharing your home make before the doorbell rings and your upknow the moments in life that matter. Stop in today guests arrive. We sharing your the perfect to your life. home makes upand thefind moments in backdrop life
that matter. Stop in today and find the perfect backdrop to your life.
sarasota
pinellas park
fort myers
matterbrothersfurniture.com
tarpon springs
naples
THE LEADER IN COASTAL HOME FURNISHINGS
sarasota
pinellas park
fort myers
tarpon springs
THE LEADER IN FLORIDA LIFESTYLE FURNISHINGS
naples
grand | FASHION
Chic in the city
• From the Concrete Jungle Collection, this layered disc necklace by Lele Sadoughi turns the traditional dot on its head with a big city, modern look. $398 at Saks Fifth Avenue and saksfifthavenue.com.
Spot ON We fell in love with polka dots in the 1920s and ’30s on delicate dresses and swimwear. Since then those little circles have continued to adorn our clothing and accessories with just the right amount of space and contrast to draw the eye in to the sweet spots.
Spotting the right tie
• This handsome navy blue, silk and linen dot tie is a classic addition from The Tie Bar. The dot pattern styles a slim, modern cut, 2½ inches by 58 inches, and is made with 80 percent silk. Now, that’s something you can enjoy getting your hands on. $19 at Nordstrom.
— SARA COGGIN
Dotted duo • Charming and classic, these pointBring on the sweetness •
Cut in the sweetheart style, this timeless designer dress by Elena Wang is delicate, modest, yet playful. Polka dots and crisscross silk striping only accentuate the loveliness of femininity that this style brings. $169 at Petunias of Naples.
74 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
toe stilettos and clutch are sure to make a great addition to that little black dress or sleek trouser. However paired, the cotton/polyester blend and memory foam footbed mean breathable and comfortable shoe wear, even while standing “sky-high.” The sleek and sexy dotted clutch features strong lines and champagne gold hardware. Hold on to the gilded cutout handle, because you will be ready to go with these gorgeous essentials. Shoe priced $135 and clutch $79, available at White House Black Market, Fort Myers.
A pattern for style • Stand out
from the crowd with this simple, yet sophisticated, polka dot top by Red Haute. Featuring relaxed bell sleeves, it can be dressed up with your favorite pencil skirt and looks great with jeans. $120 at Jennifer’s, 13251 McGregor, Suite 111-1, Fort Myers. 239-481-8582. jennifersfortmyers.com
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 75
OUR YACHT & BEACH CLUB ISN’T FOR EVERYONE...
, and that s the point. MEMBERSHIP
I M AG I N E A DAY AT T H E BE AC H …
Where your car is valet parked, beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels are waiting for you…all you need to do is show up and enjoy it. Dine in our premier restaurants and bars. Save at our luxurious 6,000 sq. ft. Aquagene Spa. Use any of our themed, resort-style pools, plus showers and changing rooms so you can freshen up for the evening. Even our marina allows you limited free dockage. Membership truly has something for everyone, but isn’t for everyone…and that’s a very good thing.
Contact Diana for your membership at 239-463-8665 / ditaliano@pinkshell.com or go to pinkshell.com/beachclub for complete details.
76 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
grand | OPEN DOOR
Jim Minor and Daryl Buddemeyer brought the art from their previous home and then used glass sculptures to complement the work. Most of the brightly colored art work is abstract and whimsical.
a
STORY BY ANDREA STETSON | PHOTOS BY DOROTHY EDWARDS
SPL SH OF COLOR Jim Minor and Daryl Buddemeyer see their new Windward Isle home as a canvas for their collection of modern art.
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 77
grand | OPEN DOOR
plashes of yellow, red, orange and green swirl around a canvas. In room after room, huge pieces of modern art with a kaleidoscope of colors add a brilliant palette of pigment to this 3,060-square-foot Windward Isle home in North Naples. When Jim Minor and Daryl Buddemeyer moved into the house in March, they brought their colorful artwork with them. Then they added bright and sometimes whimsical accessories to complement it. “We buy what we like, because we want to keep it with us rather than buying just for a house,” Jim says. “If you buy what you like, it will fit wherever you go.” In the family room, a large painting in bright red, yellow and blue hangs on the main wall where most people would put a television. The television is in the kitchen over the stove. Red and blue pillows, a sculpture in the same bright colors, a red vase on the coffee table and red, green and yellow scalloped-edge bowls on a rectangular table complement the artwork. “We bought the art from an artist at Art Walk on Fifth Avenue years ago,” Daryl says. “It was made to go over our sofa in St. Louis, and when we bought this, we decided to bring it here. It is my favorite thing.” Jim and Daryl worked with Kelli Smith of Kelli Interior Design Studio in Naples to design the rooms around some of their favorite artwork. “We always started with a neutral color palette,” Kelli says. “Obviously the artwork really talks. It is the focus of the room.” Each room starts with white or beige furniture, and then pops of color on the walls and accessories bring the rooms to life. In the den, a black desk and gray couch form the backdrop for two large, colorful paintings and for a lime green and yellow glass sculpture that looks like something from a Dr. Seuss book. Red pillows on a silvery gray chair complete the color scheme. “We bring it off the wall and put it in the house,” Jim says. Even the little nook by the garage entry to the home has four paintings of modern art over a small table and chairs.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP THIS PAGE: An elegant look in golds and beige tones gives a serene feel to the dining area. • Jim Minor and Daryl Buddemeyer moved into their new home in Windward Isle in March. • Bright blue sculptures in the master bedroom give that room a more coastal look, while other rooms feature more reds and yellows. • The master bedroom has pictures with Asian lettering on the wall. The rest of the room features more blue tones. 78 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
grand | OPEN DOOR
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP THIS PAGE: No one plays the piano in the house, but it gives the room a sophisticated look. The shiny black piano also gives contrast to the bright artwork. • This Dr. Seuss-looking sculpture in the den complements the colors in the paintings on the walls. • Bright artwork is even found in the master bathroom.
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 79
grand | OPEN DOOR In the master bedroom, three bright red prints with black Asian logograms hang over the bed. Across the room, a huge rectangular painted swirl of blue, red and yellow hangs on one side of the dresser while two more orange, red and yellow paintings hang on the other side. The white bedding is accented with coordinating bright blue pillows. Even the master bathroom has a humongous painting in swirls of teal, pink, green, rose and yellow. Hanging above a glossy white bathtub, the painting is the focal point in the room. Across the home, in one guest room, a teal bedspread pulls out the subtle colors in the two paintings above the bed. The second guest room is the only room without bright colors. Instead, the room is decorated in white, black and silver. But Jim says it’s only because that room hasn’t been splashed with color yet. “We will put color in it. We are still working on it,” he says. “We are down here so much we want to enjoy the process.” Jim and Daryl explain that because they are now almost full-time residents — they spend about five weeks a year in Missouri — they want to take their time with the finishing interior touches in their home. Those touches extend to the ceiling. Jim and Daryl traveled to Dallas to find the perfect chandeliers for their house. In the entry is a giant gold and white chandelier that almost looks like a suspended jellyfish. “That’s an 18-foot ceiling, so we needed something large,” Jim says. “And it has an organic feel that I like.” In the family room, three identical smaller chandeliers form a starburst pattern, and over the table in the dining area, icicles of glass seem to hang from the chandelier. Jim and Daryl admit they added some features that they don’t use but like for their looks. “The pool is more for party things,” Daryl says. “You have to have a pool for resale. I have been in three or four times. We don’t usually use the pool.” Then there is the shiny black Weber piano that sits prominently in the family room. “No one plays,” Daryl admits. “It’s just a look.” Other things in the house aren’t just for looks, but for function. The three-bedroom, plus den, 3½-bathroom home started as a template of a Windward Isle model, but Jim and Daryl changed some aspects to fit their lifestyle. “We had a footprint, but then they let us incorporate our own thoughts,” Jim explains. For example, they closed in a wall to make a large walkin pantry. They created more space in the den by rearranging the closet area, and they added a nook for the toilet in the half-bath. While the model Abacos has a step leading to the front door, this home was designed without the step. They also made design changes, such as putting the large flat screen over the stove. “This is where we sit and have coffee, so everything is easy,” Daryl says as he sits at the kitchen island. “We sit here and face the television.” There is also a television on the lanai with comfortable seating facing it.
80 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
Yacht and Country Club YACHT and COUNTRY CLUB
• Security Gated Waterfront Community in South Ft. Myers
• Just 5 miles from the Sanibel Causeway and Ft. Myers Beach Bridge
• Over 20 neighborhoods with homes ranging from $200,000 to $6 Million, Country Club, Golf course, Tennis courts and two Restaurants
• 186 Slip Marina with floating docks, Gas and Diesel, Marina Center & Lounge, Staffed 7 Days a Week
Choose Gulf Harbour Properties for EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & RESULTS! The home opens to the lanai that then leads to views of the lakes. • Daryl says the lanai is one of his favorite places in the house. Even there, you’ll find bright artwork. • Daryl and Jim say they don’t use the pool much, but it is pretty to look at and it makes the value of the home greater.
We specialize in real estate services for the Gulf Harbour community.
Greg Callaway 565-2766
Sandy Kreatz 898-2472
“That’s my favorite room out there,” Daryl says as he points to the lanai. “I eat a lot outside. I watch TV outside. I love that outside when the temperature is right.” Daryl also likes the view of the lake and the trees. “I love the wildlife here,” he says. “We have otters that come right up there.” The lanai has a pool with a large inflatable swan moving about as the wind blows. There is a spa, outdoor kitchen area and gas fireplace. When asked about his favorite rooms, Jim answers: “I love the garage. I love the laundry room. I spend a lot of time there.” When asked what he enjoys doing in the
garage and laundry room: “I wash the garage. I hose it out and use a string mop to clean it. I do a lot of laundry.” The spotless, uncluttered three-car garage has an epoxy finished floor. The laundry room has a full-size refrigerator and lots of counter and cabinet space. Jim says he also enjoys sitting at the kitchen counter using his laptop or watching TV. He also likes using YouTube to put a soothing aquarium scene on the television. “I really love the whole house.” Windward Isle is a new gated neighborhood in North Naples that will feature 28 luxury single-family homes at build-out.
Jo Callaway 565-2766
Susan McFarland 691-2959
Lori Frantz 851-7889
Marc Neely 841-4428
Barry Lazarus 850-2122
15301 McGregor Blvd #2, Fort Myers, FL 239-565-2766 | GulfHarbourProperties.com RealEstate@GulfHarbourProperties.com GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 81
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
THE Experience the awardwinning cuisine at IL CIELO. Located on Sanibel Island, this fine dining restaurant, which name translates to “the sky,” offers a dynamic culinary experience in a friendly environment. Featuring creative American
cuisine with internationally inspired specials made with the freshest ingredients including Florida caught fish, meats, produce and delectable desserts made in-house. The IL CIELO knowledgeable staff prides themselves in unparalleled customer service with approachable team members who will guide you every step of the way. Join us for our nightly Happy Hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the lounge featuring signature small plates, appetizers and halfpriced house wines, domestic beers and
well drinks. Select from our carefully curated wine list or enjoy a local craft beer. Featuring live piano music by Scott McDonald Tuesday through Sunday nights beginning at 7 p.m. Gift Cards are available all year round for birthdays, anniversaries or any other special occasion.
IL CIELO Creative American Cuisine
1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island ilcielosanibel.com • 239-472-5555
The unspoiled beauty of Sanibel Island and Southwest Florida is the inspiration for the unique and creative jewelry designs found at The Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry. Established in 1975, they are known throughout the world for their unusual collection of sea and nature themed jewelry as well as innovative one of a kind in–house creations. Their experienced and talented master goldsmith is available to work with you to create that magnificent custom piece you have always wanted. See why this Island gem has been a favorite for both locals and visitors for over 42 years.
The Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry
1993 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island 239-472-2876 CedarChestSanibel.com At Sanibel Sea School, creating meaningful ocean experiences is our specialty. We offer marine science courses for adults who love to learn, creature-themed day programs and weekly camps for kids, coral reef expeditions for teens, and customizable adventures for families and groups – because we think everyone should have a chance to make lasting ocean memories. Come explore with us. Visit sanibelseaschool.org or call (239) 472-8585 to learn more.
Savor the season.
The next issue of Grandeur will be available starting February 3, 2018.
Sanibel Sea School
455 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island 239-472-8585 sanibelseaschool.org
“Escape the Island Way” features the best goods and services located on Sanibel Island. For more information, or to advertise, contact Nicole Holey at 239-344-4696 or nholey@gannett.com GRANDEUR | JANUARY 2018 | 75
grand | TIMES
HOPE CLUBHOUSE Hope Clubhouse of Southwest Florida celebrated the holidays with three special awards to deserving supporters on December 19 at its office during a party for staff, club members and friends. Attorney Sawyer Smith was recognized for his work on behalf of mental health issues and was given the Advocate of the Year award. Mike and Dawn Sullivan of State Farm Insurance were honored as Corporate Sponsor of the Year for their ongoing support of the clubhouse. David and Christin Collins were surprised with a plaque honoring them for their dedication to the clubhouse, including Christin’s work as chairwoman of this year’s mental health luncheon. A passion fruit tree in the clubhouse garden was also named in their honor.
1
Photos special to GRANDEUR
2
3
2
4
5
7
8
1. Mariah Bakke and Sawyer Smith 2. Mike Sullivan and Cindi Wineinger 3. James Wineinger and Christin and David Collins 4. Brodrick Benjamin, Sherri Cooner and Lydia Frantz 5. Dottie Pacharis, Scott and Adriana White 6. David Collins and Carey Ralston 7. Cindi Wineinger and Kelly McQueen 8. Christin Collins, Boots Tolles and Kelly Fayer
6
BIG ARTS RECEPTION Big Arts Platinum Club held a reception for Cleveland International Piano winner Nikita Mndoyants on January 14.
Photos special to GRANDEUR
1
2
3
1. Rick Swider, Julie Pedretti, Amanda Greenstein and Steve Greenstein 2. Patrick O’Daniel and Nancy Traylor 3. Dick Boehning, Penny Wilkinson, Roberta Puschel and Philip Puschel 4. Rebecca Tutunick, Meiyu Wu and Nikita Mndoyants
4 GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 83
grand | TIMES PA I R G O O D F O O D A N D W I N E TO B E
WELCOME ABOARD Guadalupe Center, a nonprofit organization focused on breaking the cycle of poverty through education, raised $1.3 million during its “Welcome Aboard” 2018 Signature Event, held January 17 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples. Presented by The Moglia Family Foundation on behalf of Amy and Paul Heuerman, and also chaired by Amy Moglia Heuerman, the event featured a live band, gourmet dinner and live auction, along with meet-and-greet opportunities with high school students within Guadalupe Center’s Tutor Corps program and a presentation from the evening’s student speaker, Omar Jaimes. Proceeds from the annual signature event directly benefit Guadalupe Center’s three educational programs serving Immokalee students from cradle to career: Early Childhood Education, After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment and college preparatory Tutor Corps programs.
cent What you consume truly makes a visible difference in your skin’s appearance and health. Fatty acids in olive oil 1
help slow skin aging. Salmon and foods rich in Omega3s help prevent inflammation—the root cause of acne. Even red wine has benefits. Its antioxidants like flavonoid, resveratrol and tannin help fight aging by restoring collagen and elastic fibers. Eat and drink sensibly, and you will give your skin what it needs to say healthy.
IF YOU’RE HUNGRY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SKIN HEALTH, STOP BY AND SEE US!
4
OFFICES: F ORT MYERS | C APE CORAL | LEHIGH ACRES COMIN G THIS YEAR TO PUNTA GORDA
FloridaSkinCenter.com 239.454.4738
5
Hablamos ESPAÑOL1
Pediatric Dermatology | Teen Skin Facial Rejuvenation Skin Cancer Screening & Treatment | Anti-Aging | Ethnic Skin Men’s Therapies | Skin Care Products
84 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
3
6
7
1. William Boyajian, Chris Barnett, Rachel Hamilton and Bill Barnett 2. Steven Koren, Mary Fox, Beverly Koren and Jim Fox 3. Roger and Sandy Vasey 4. Rebecca Davis, Corrine Palmer and Greethel Leon 5. Phil Cohen, Lois Cohen, Bonnie Lechtner, Omar Jaimes and Richard Lechner 6. Mark Wilson and Gemma Wilson 7. Jackie and Jack Vasey with Melissa Silva
Photos special to GRANDEUR
2
grand | TIMES
HEIGHTS FOUNDATION
Photos special to GRANDEUR
The Heights Foundation hosted their board of directors celebration and installation at The Heights Center on December 11. Jan-Erik Hustrulid, Business Development Coordinator at Owen-Ames-Kimball Company, was reelected chair of the board. Kenny Brewer, Manager, NonMerchandise Procurement at Chico’s FAS, Inc. was elected vice chair, and Susan Ryan, Chief Financial Officer at Canterbury School, was reelected secretary/treasurer.
1
2
3
5
6
7
1 4 1. Jan-Erik Hustrulid, Kevin Shimp, Kathryn Kelly, Brian Filson and Armando Llechu 2. John and Patty Grey 3. Teri Palmer and Victor Mayeron 4. Kathryn Kelly, Jim Sanger, Emily Roman, Melissa Barlow, Karen Lesza and Deb Mathinos 5. John De Master, Armando and Tamara Llechu 6. Kathryn Kelly and Vee Yerrid 7. Terri and Jay Wade
86 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
grand | TIMES
HITTING THE RIGHT NOTES The Cultural and Performing Arts Center Hitting the Right Note Gala was held on January 8 at the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club. CAPA’s mission it to provide the community with affordable, cultural, educational and performace opportunities in Collier County.
3
Photos special to GRANDEUR
2
4
1 1. Margret Chevalier, Mally Khorasantchi, Eileen Arsenault, Ali Khorasantchi and Angelika Kade 2. Dwight Richardson, Nancy Nicoletti and Marci Hughes 3. Myra Williams, Delores Sorey and Susan Gibbons 4. Suzette Fernandes, Paul Arsenault and Eileen Arsenault 5. Hank Scholz and Dorothy DeMichele 6. Tom Watts and Patricia Rhodes 7. Melody Thomson, Malcolm Thomson and Sudie Geier
5
6
Lisa D. Zack, M.D.
7
Brad T. Kovach, M.D.
Board Certified • Fellowship Trained Jana Thomas, PA-C • Lidia Starr, PA-C • Hillary Cachet, PA-C
Providing Superior Surgical, Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology Since 1989
- Skin cancer removal - Mole removal - Mohs surgery - Acne treatment specialists - Skin, hair and nail problems - Thorough full skin exams - Fillers & Botox
Naples - 801 Anchor Rode Dr. - Suite 100
(239) 263.1717
Estero - 19910 S. Tamiami Trail - Suite B (239) 676.8677
www.floridacoastaldermatology.com GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 87
grand | TIMES
NIGHT AT THE NEST FGCU Athletics held Night at the Nest on December 1 at Alico Arena. The annual fundraising event was emceed by Lois Thome of WINK News and featured a live auction.
Location. Location.
Shell Point.
1
Waterfront Resort Retirement Lifestyle and the Assurance of Lifecare 2
3
UHT .R
OT SRU
F
EB 0 RU •1 N 2 A 2 R E Y or visit shellpoint.org/seminars. M
Call (239) 228-4071 AT ED
•T
D• CE RO
MA
NUF • DO OF
MP 3 -
HOUSE OPEN EXPLORE TODAY! MO IN TA DEL S • LIVE ENTER
4
5 1. Chris and Sandy Haas 2. Albert Ruiz (FGCU Men’s Soccer) and Ashley Glickert (FGCU Beach Volleyball) 3. Alex Masse and Lena Cavucci 4. Steve Engstrom, FGCU basketball player Brady Ernst and Jack Engstrom 5. Jacob Barnes, pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, and FGCU Baseball Head Coach Dave Tollett 6. Bernard Yeboah and Tomas Cerda
Unparalleled setting. Unparalleled lifestyle. Shell Point is located in Fort Myers on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River just 2 miles from the Islands of Sanibel and Captiva. Shell Point is a nonprofit ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc. ©2018 Shell Point. All rights reserved. SLS-3523-18
88 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
6
S
WFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is delighted to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest! Dedicated to the advancement of local pediatric health, 100% of auction proceeds support primary beneficiaries – Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College – plus four new recipients – PACE Center for Girls of Lee County, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida, SalusCare, Inc. and The Heights Foundation!
Friday, March 2, 2018
Saturday, March 3, 2018
CHEF VINTNER DINNERS
THE GRAND TASTING & LIVE AUCTION
Experience world-class cuisine created by local and national celebrity chefs expertly paired with vintners from some of the finest and most exclusive wineries.
Savor chefs’ signature creations, exquisite wines, and join the excitement of the live auction followed by Dessert After Glow with Norman Love and friends with a Mark Loren gift.
H o n o r e d S i g n at u r e Vi n t n e r Barbara Banke, Chairman and Proprietor of Jackson Family Wines, featuring The Spire Collection
CREIGHTON CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT | HOMETECH | MARKHAM NORTON MOSTELLER WRIGHT & COMPANY, P.A. JASON’S DELI | WOLF, METZGER & MAURILLO WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP OF WELLS FARGO ADVISORS
239.433.4260 | swflwinefest.org SWFL CHILDREN’S CHARITIES, INC. IS A 501 (C)(3) TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATION. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7252) TOLL FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. FEIN: 26-2302491/FL REG: CH 35035
GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2018 | 89
grand | MARCH
Next month Grandeur magazine is assembling a Southwest Florida dream home — from a composite of different rooms from select designers, builders and showrooms. Highlighting modern and contemporary concepts with a Florida twist, this “dream home” reflects our region and lifestyle through the color palette, motifs, major accents, architectural features, materials and more.
90 | FEBRUARY 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com
MONTH The World’s Largest Dealer Of Tommy Bahama Home
Enjoy
50% Off Limited Time Savings off of MSRP
Find your nearest showroom at www.baers.com We Export Worldwide | Complimentary Design Consultation