ON THE SCENE THE BEST OF ISSUE
STA N D O U T A RT, C U LT U R E M A K E R S , N E W H AU N T S AND MORE REASONS TO LOVE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
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BOATING L IVING
REL A XING
2 2 2 ME R MAIDS B I GH T | PA R K S H OR E $ 14 ,5 0 0,0 0 0
760 STA RB OAR D D R I V E | M O O R INGS $ 5 ,9 9 5,0 0 0
1 3 9 9 GR EAT EGR ET TRA I L | ESTUA RY $ 8 ,2 5 0,0 00
A S P E N • T H E H A M P TO N S • PA L M S P R I N G S • M A L I B U • M A N H AT TA N • B E V E R LY H I L L S • L A G U N A B E A C H • A N D M O R E 800 HARBOUR DRIVE, NAPLES, FLORIDA 34103 (239) 261-3939 © 2021 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.
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NAPLES, MARCO ISL AND & FLORIDA’S GULF COAST
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ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS WEBSITE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. All artist’s renderings are proposed concepts shown only for marketing purposes and are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change by the developer, Aura at Metropolitan Naples, LLC, which reserves the right to make changes at its sole discretion, without prior notice or approval of the purchaser. This project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. This advertisement does not constitute an offer where prior registration or other qualification is required. Prices, availability, plans, features, dimensions, specifications and amenities are subject to change at any time without notice. All Rights Reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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9
NO _ 5 1 9
0 5 _ 2 0 2 2
Features THE LIONFISH HUNTERS
Zach Stovall
94
10
GULFSHORE LIFE
Designing Rooms You’ll Love Get started by visiting our stores! You’ll find a different selection of home furnishings at each store. Everything in our collection is available for immediate delivery.
Downtown Naples 326 13th Avenue South
www.baydesignstore.com
North Naples 5510 Shirley Street
NO _ 5 1 9
0 5 _ 2 0 2 2
Features SEMINOLE ARTIST JESSICA OSCEOLA
Tina Sargeant
106
14
GULFSHORE LIFE
NATURE
NURTURE
WONDER
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The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay are not owned, sold or developed by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. or its affiliates (“The Ritz-Carlton”). LB Estero Bay Investments, LLC uses The Ritz-Carlton marks under a license from The Ritz-Carlton, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein.
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NO _ 5 1 9
CONTENTS
0 5 _ 2 0 2 2
IN EVERY ISSUE
Departments
30 Editor ’s Note 32 From the CA B 34 Gulfshore T reasures 252 Parting Shot BEST OF THE SEASON 38 Night Out: Del Mar + T he Vine Room
44 Culinar y Debuts: T hree Lee Ne wcomers
66 Milestone: Shangri-La Springs Turns 101
50 Chef Homecoming: Todd Johnson’s Naples Return
68 Environmental Win: Mangrove Restoration
52 Culture Maker: SBDAC’s Jim Grif f ith 58 Rising A rtist: Naples’ Krist y Gammill 64 Museum Ne ws: Naples’ First Black Histor y Center
70 Guest List: People & Places BEST OF STYLE 83 Local Design: Made in SW FL
INSIDER Chef Homecoming
50
Small plates star at chef Todd Johnson’s new passion
Anna Nguyen
project, Nosh on Naples Bay.
18
GULFSHORE LIFE
New Downtown Naples Office
CO MI NG THI S SPRI N G
“Serving our clients is our top priority at FineMark, which is why we are thrilled to announce our newest location on 8th Street S. We will be closer and more convenient to those who live and work in the heart of Old Naples.” —Adria D. Starkey President, Collier County
275 8th Street S • Naples, FL 34102
Fort Myers • Bonita Springs • Charleston • Estero • Jupiter • Naples • Palm Beach • Scottsdale www.finemarkbank.com • 239-963-0700 • Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender Trust and investment services are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the bank and may lose value.
NO _ 5 1 9
CONTENTS Depart ments
0 5 _ 2 0 2 2
BEST OF HOME + DESIGN
BEST OF WELLNESS
180 A rchitectural Shif t: Naples’ Elemental Design
204 Green Cure: Nature’s Power
188 Designer to Know: Alexis Limb
210 Clean Beaut y: Bonita’s Vegan Soapmaker
196 Condo Living: T he Next Wa ve
215 Health Events: Fit for May BEST OF FOOD + DRINK
222 Dining Guide: 150+ Essential Restaurants BEST OF ARTS + C U LTU R E 240 Can’t-Miss Show: René Magrit te at T he Baker Museum 246 Agenda: Top Events for May
218 Spirited Debut: Immokalee’s Everglades Distillers
H OM E Architectural Shif t
Naples architectural engineer Danny Garcia coined the term elemental design, working with steel, concrete, wood and glass to create stunning spaces.
Volume 52/Number 5, Gulfshore Life (ISSN 0745-0079) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Gulfshore Life Media, LLC., 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Subscription price is $19.95 per year. For customer service inquiries, subscription inquiries or to change your address by providing both the old and new addresses, contact: Subscription Department, Gulfshore Life Media, LLC, 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Telephone (239) 498-8501 or email subscriptions@gulfshorelife.com. Periodicals’ postage paid at Bonita Springs, FL, and at additional mailing offices. Copyright 2022 by Gulfshore Life Media, LLC, Library of Congress Card No. 8538973. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Unsolicited manuscripts without return postage will not be returned. DISCLAIMER: Advertisements in the publication do not constitute an offer for sale in states where prohibited or restricted by law.
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GULFSHORE LIFE
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© Copyright Gulfshore Life is published by Gulfshore Life Media, LLC. The entire document of Gulfshore Life is © 2022 by Gulfshore Life Media, LLC. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems without the express written permission of the publisher. Gulfshore Life, HOME, Gordon Drive, MINI, Healthy Life, Southwest Florida Guide to the Arts, Visitors’ Guide, Men and Women of the Year, Best of the Gulfshore, Taste of the Gulf, Weekend Insider and Shore Thing are copyrighted service marks and are the property of Gulfshore Life Media, LLC., all rights reserved. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher of this magazine. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but it is considered informative. Gulfshore Life is locally operated. Occasionally we make our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and services that we believe would interest our readers. If you do not want to receive these offers, please advise us at Gulfshore Life, 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Please include your name and address as it appears on the mailing label of your most recent issue.
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26
Ingrid Aielli Co-Owner, Aielli Group 2016 Woman of the Year
Dwayne Bergmann Principal Designer/ Owner, Dwayne Bergmann Interiors 2020 Man of the Year
Scott Burgess President and CEO, David Lawrence Center 2018 Man of the Year
Mary Susan Clinton Founder, Gallien Global Vision Inc. Trustee, Naples Children & Education Foundation 2002 Woman of the Year
Denise Cobb Chair, Community Advisory Board Trustee, Naples Children & Education Foundation 2000 Woman of the Year
David Corban President, David Corban Architects 2020 Man of the Year
Brooke Denson Real Estate Professional, Dina Marie Realty Trustee and Treasurer, SWFL Children’s Charities 2019 Woman of the Year
Shirlene Elkins Real Estate Professional, John R. Wood Properties Trustee, Naples Children & Education Foundation 2003 Woman of the Year
Ellin Goetz President, Goetz+Stropes Landscape Architects 2000 Woman of the Year
Mark Loren Head Jewelry Designer/Owner, Mark Loren Designs 2016 Man of the Year
Rebecca Maddox Owner/Developer, Three60 Market, Three60 Wine and Celebration Park 2019 Woman of the Year
Gail Markham Founding Partner, Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company 2011 Woman of the Year
Elliott H. Singer Managing Director and Founder, Fairview Advisors Trustee, Naples Children & Education Foundation Member-at-Large
Adria Starkey President, Collier FineMark National Bank & Trust Trustee, Naples Children & Education Foundation 2000 Woman of the Year
Shelly Stayer President/Co-Owner, Johnsonville Foods 2013 Woman of the Year
Sandra Stilwell Youngquist Owner and CEO, Stilwell Enterprises 2006 Woman of the Year
GULFSHORE LIFE
Brian Tietz (12); Courtesy Shirlene Elkins, Ellin Goetz, Mark Loren, Shelly Stayer/Roland Scarpa
COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD
M A K I N G
G U L F S H O R E
L I F E
NO _ 5 1 9
0 5 _ 2 0 2 2
ON THE COVER Shot on location at The Vine Room on Naples’ Fifth Avenue South by Omar Cruz. The model wears a slip dress by Sleeping with Jacques. Model Anna Merkureva, Caroline Gleason Management Stylist Anna Ruiz Hair Kristen, Duality Artistry Makeup Carly, Duality Artistry
ON THE SCENE THE BEST OF ISSUE
STA N D O U T A RT, C U LT U R E M A K E R S , N E W H AU N T S
$ 5.95 M AY 2 0 2 2
28
GULFSHORE LIFE
GULFSHORELIFE.COM
AND MORE REASONS TO LOVE OUR REGION
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FROM THE EDITOR
PR I D E O F PL AC E
NO _ 5 1 9
0 5 _ 2 0 2 2
They say no one is really from
than a century of the city’s his-
the Gulf Reader’s Choice Awards.
here. Some say we don’t have a
tory—you’ll recognize names
From Audrey’s of Naples, with its
distinct culture. But don’t say
of families that still live around
wealth of charity gala dresses, to
that around Jessica Osceola, the
these parts. In this issue, we cover
the Wonder Gardens in Bonita
multihyphenate artist, art pro-
Collier County Museums and the
Springs, where ninth-generation
fessor, farmer and mother, who
local NAACP’s efforts to develop
local David Rahahę•tih Webb is
is kin to Everglades and Miccos-
the first permanent Black history
transforming the formerly run-
ukee warrior Betty Osceola.
exhibit at the Naples Depot, giv-
down roadside attraction into a
Naples-born Jessica grew up
ing voice to often-untold stories.
conservation oasis—each reflects
watching her father and other
You may also consider Jim Grif-
elements that define our region’s
family members hunt, fish,
fith’s massive undertaking to give
unique culture and why we’re
sew, bead and make art in her
new life to the 1933 post office that
proud to claim this as our place.
great-grandmother’s Seminole
now houses the Sidney & Berne
village off Tamiami Trail. For
Davis Art Center in Fort Myers.
her, daily life is still layered with
He’s been mindful not to toss
meaning, drawing from gener-
anything salvageable, including
ations of Southwest Florida
the old elevator gears, which now
lore. Lauren Amalia Redding’s
make up part of the base of the
story about Jessica, “Root of All
Lawrence Voytek-designed table
Creation,” shows there’s plenty
he often works at. Last year, after
of deeply rooted culture here, if
nearly two decades of dreaming
we just look.
and laboring, Jim debuted the
If you’re not convinced, take
center’s rooftop sculpture garden,
a walk around the Naples Depot
and it’s already become a cultural
Museum, which covers more
anchor, overlooking the historic, revitalized downtown.
Stephanie Granada Editor in Chief
tage are evident, too, in the people, businesses and other gems you voted for in this year’s Best of
30
GULFSHORE LIFE
Anna Gunselman
Elements of the region’s heri-
NOUVEL HERITAGE
spoken
239.263.4333 | @ shopmarissacollections EN DE IT ES CS FR
| marissacollections.com
NA P L ES | PAL M BEACH
FROM THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD
PAT H T O PA R A D I S E
NO _ 5 1 9
0 5 _ 2 0 2 2
In Southwest Florida, we live a lit-
with its sunny beaches and stun-
the Gulf, we value manners and
tle differently than the rest of the
ning sunsets (green flash, any-
thoughtfulness. We don’t honk
country. Our lifestyle is defined by
one?). Ralph’s parents made the
horns. We give generously to
a genteel mix of Southern hospital-
trip from America’s Heartland in
charity. We fully enjoy our coastal
ity and Midwestern values. We take
1966 and settled in Naples with
lifestyle. And, if anyone asks, yes,
the time to appreciate the scenery:
almost all their friends. We really
Palm Beach is nice and great to
walking slowly, driving calmly and
feel at home here. Midwesterners
visit, but this coast is much better
speaking kindly to our neighbors.
generally talk a little slower and
suited as our place to call home.
engage in conversation with liter-
Midwesterners have flocked to
ally anyone who will talk back to
the Gulf Coast seeking winter
us—they call it ‘Midwestern Nice.’
homes and year-round resi-
(Of course, that doesn’t apply on
dences. Recently, I picked up a
Sundays when our football teams
book on the history of the homes
are playing.)
along Naples’ Gordon Drive at
Following the pandemic and
Bruno on Third Street South. It
national news citing our region
read like a beer menu from the
as the best place to move, local
’70s: Sure enough, the Wiscon-
real estate data shows about
sinites who created those big
80% of new homes were bought
beer brands were all in Naples at
by Northeasterners. We’ve also
some point.
seen a huge uptick in California
So what initially led us here?
transplants stepping onto the
Highways. My husband, Ralph,
scene. And while they might not
and I are from the small town of
be making the drive down U.S. 41,
Johnsonville, Wisconsin—popu-
we welcome them just the same.
lation: 80. From nearby Milwau-
Freshly minted residents, we
kee, we can drive south on U.S. 41
know you’ll love it here. Just
and, in 18 hours, arrive in Naples
remember to slow down. On
32
GULFSHORE LIFE
Shelly Stayer President/Co-owner, Johnsonville Foods 2013 Woman of the Year
Courtesy Shelly Stayer/Roland Scarpa
For more than half a century,
602 5th Avenue South Naples, Florida | 239.263.8889 | CocoonGallery.com
GU LFS HORE
TRE ASU RES
Kristy Gammill is one of the artists who make up our dynamic creative scene—a core asset for Southwest Florida. And, with nearly a decade on the scene, the Naples artist’s star is only rising. Read about her latest Kelly Jones
series on p. 58.
34
GULFSHORE LIFE
™
375 Fifth Ave. South, Naples, FL 34102 | (239) 206-4460 | www.marilynhellman.com
NO _ 5 1 9
0 5 _ 2 0 2 2
The Message in a Bottle at The Vine Room, photographed by Anna Nguyen
BEST OF THE SEASON
Title: Info goes here and here p _ 0waves 0 A look at the people, places and ideas that have made in recent months, featuring Del Mar and The Vine Room’s debut on Fifth Avenue South, Jim Griffith’s banner year at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and plans for Naples’ first permanent Black history exhibit.
NIGHT OUT
WORLDLY TASTES BEST OF
At Del Mar and The Vine Room, eat and drink your way around the world without leaving Naples’ most fashionable block. By Lane Nieset Photography by Anna Nguyen
Strolling up to Del Mar, two things
coast from southern Spain and Morocco
immediately stand out. First, it’s the
to France, Italy, Greece and Turkey.
restaurant’s palazzo-inspired facade,
The rare, second-floor outdoor
adorned with frescos, pastel tiles and
seating was grandfathered in for the
spaghetti-thin columns. Next is the
previous owners, and Mitchell fought
second-floor balcony seating over-
hard to retain the permitting. Once
looking Fifth Avenue South.
the space was secure, he engaged Illi-
The former location of the beloved
nois architecture and interior design
Café Lurcat, the space was one of Old
firm Knauer to helm the remodel,
Naples’ most desirable dining spots
which languished for more than two
when it fell vacant in 2018 before
years due to the pandemic.
being acquired by Ocean Prime
As work was underway, McCabe’s
restaurateur Cameron Mitchell. His
son, Philip, acquired a small space
landlord and friend, Naples developer
across the street and began developing
and hotelier Phil McCabe, steered
The Vine Room, a chic, ivy-shrouded
him toward the building. “When the
cocktail bar. Knauer designed the
opportunity came up, it was a natu-
velvet-and-onyx-adorned lounge, and
ral fit for us,” Mitchell says, noting
the Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
that the Mediterranean architecture
team consulted on the high-brow
inspired the menu, which follows the
bar bites and layered cocktails that
38
GULFSHORE LIFE
BEST OF THE SEASON
39
BEST OF NIGHT OUT
comprise the menu. When Del Mar and The Vine Room opened within a month of each other at the end of 2021, Neapolitans got a new, stylish duo for a night of dinner and drinks. At Del Mar, a team of six chefs worked for three months to design the Mediterranean menu, led by executive chef David Vilchez, who was previously at the Beverly Hills outpost of Ocean Prime. Heavy cream and butter are out; instead, dishes are dressed with aged balsamic vinegar and citrus, sprinkled with za’atar and topped with dollops of labneh, a strained Middle Eastern yogurt with a cream cheese-like texture. Elements from the region’s cuisines weave into plates like the spicy feta dip and coarse roasted red pepper spread, served with housemade pita, and the charred octopus bathed in bell-pepper vinaigrette with a dash of mild Espelette pepper.
40
GULFSHORE LIFE
Lamb is a common thread through-
coastal-chic and contemporary, with an
out, found in the spicy sausage Turkish
exposed kitchen and gallery-like walls of
flatbread, tomato-and-harissa-stewed
wine. Commissioned art fills the space: A
meatballs and hummus topped with
sculptural paper art installation by artist
pomegranate-braised lamb. The meat
Hailey Pinkerton (who also works with
shines brightest in the family-style rack
local Herscoe Hajjar Architects) makes
of lamb tagine; the centerpiece of the
a striking impression at the bottom of
wood-fired “From the Hearth” section of
the staircase; a large botanical-inspired
the menu is roasted and served in the tra-
print by Naples’ painter Carmelo Blan-
ditional North African earthenware pot.
dino meets diners on the second level;
In addition to a selection of Medi-
and an Impressionistic seascape canvas
terranean wines, like Provençal rosé
by artist Josef Kote graces the ground
and assyrtiko from Santorini, the bar
floor. Teardrop light fixtures and other
weaves regional spices and aperitifs
installations are scattered throughout
into handcrafted cocktails like the
the space, and ceiling-height potted
Citrus Coast, a blend of Greek Lightning
trees in the upstairs dining room bring
cinnamon-honey liqueur, citrus vodka,
the outdoors in. With every sun-tinged,
lemon and Aperol.
hearth-fortified, inviting detail, Del Mar
While the menu is unmistakably Mediterranean, the design teeters between
is the best new interpretation of the Mediterranean in Naples.
The second-floor balcony overlooking Fifth Avenue South is prime seating at Mediterranean restaurant Del Mar, owned by Ocean Prime’s Cameron Mitchell.
BEST OF THE SEASON
41
BEST OF NIGHT OUT
Inspired by modern speakeasies, The Vine Room transports guests with its tropicalretro interiors and experiential cocktails.
For the Nightcap …
quettes, long white feathers (remnants
rose; and the bestselling VR Margarita,
Caddy-corner, The Vine Room isn’t as easy
of the Gatsby New Year’s Eve party) add a
finished with a layer of salted ocean foam,
to spot among the sea of vines that covers
touch of Gilded Age glamour, while most
is modeled after one at Spain’s Miche-
its facade. Modeled after modern-day
of the vintage art nouveau posters nod
lin-starred Hoja Santa. And, for discern-
speakeasies, owner Philip McCabe Jr.
to personal experiences and places the
ing traditionalists, the vintage section of
envisioned the cocktail list to read like a
young McCabe has visited.
the menu features a $65 Negroni made
round-the-world trip, with a menu divvied up by continent.
The cocktails were inspired by some
with 40-year-aged Campari.
of The World’s 50 Best Bars, including
If you’re sitting at the horseshoe-shaped
Drawing on experiences at iconic
theatrical Barcelona speakeasy Paradiso.
center bar, go for dealer’s choice, and one
cocktail bars, like Bar Hemingway at Ritz
Taking a cue from Paradiso’s playbook,
of the bartenders will whip up a cocktail
Paris, he worked with Knauer to give the
The Vine Room’s cocktails are experien-
with bells and whistles, like The Flavour
cocktail lounge the feel of a five-star hotel
tial. The cachaça-based Box of Tricks is
Blaster, a smoke-filled bubble that floats on
bar with a tropical twist. A hand-painted
presented in a mini treasure chest with
top of drinks for guests to pop. “In Naples,
jungle mural wraps around the lounge’s
smoke billowing from its seams; the
people are world travelers. They’ve been all
interior, crowned with a gold ceiling, dark
São Paulo-inspired Message in a Bottle,
over,” McCabe, who is often at The Vine Room
wood walls, plush green velvet banquettes,
made with Brazilian banana liqueur, is
bussing tables and consulting on orders,
and a honey onyx bar with mirrors and
garnished with a cinnamon stick and a
says. “I wanted to build a place that you
foliage poking out above. By the ban-
large ice sphere frozen around a fresh
have to go to. It’s more of an experience.”
42
GULFSHORE LIFE
with a focus on Atlantic Northeastern and Pacific Northwestern seafood.
44
GULFSHORE LIFE
Tina Sargeant
Chef Adam Nardis’ Coldwater Oyster Market celebrates the bounty of cold-water regions,
CULINARY DEBUTS
FEAST ON LEE
BEST OF
The culinary scene moves north with three openings that bring delicacies on the half-shell and globally inspired small plates to Bonita Springs and Fort Myers. By Chelle Koster Walton
Coldwater Oyster Market
Beyond oysters, which the menu
Sex on the Bay, Moondancer and Summer
lists with tasting notes (silky, mineral
Love may sound like names on a playlist
Queen Cups from Prince Edward Island;
or cocktail menu, but they are a few of the
creamy Royal Miyagis from Vancouver),
more than two dozen varieties of oysters
Nardis and chef Dustin Laugherty, who
at chef Adam Nardis’ new labor of love
has worked alongside Nardis for years,
in Fort Myers. Opened in November, the
highlight a range of seafood. There are
restaurant is a tribute to seafood from
Northeast classics like chowder and
deep, cold-water regions—predominantly
chilled Maine and warm Connecticut
the Atlantic Northeast and Pacific North-
lobster rolls, Scottish salmon, and
west—which Nardis felt were underrep-
sweet, almost lobster-like Antarctic red
resented locally.
shrimp. (An onsite market stocks many
Known locally from his time at M
of the crustaceans, clams and oysters
Waterfront Grille and Seventh South
that you’ll find on the restaurant menu.)
Craft Food + Drink in Naples, Nardis
Landlubber fare includes a smash burger
and his wife and business partner, Erin,
with fried oysters, smoked gouda and
are well-versed in cold-water fare. From
truffle aioli.
2008 to 2013, they helmed the restaurant
The space, formerly Marlins Bre-
at Rhode Island’s The National Hotel
whouse and Chronic Tacos, retains
during the summer. While there, Nardis
much of its industrial garage feel, and
cultivated his appreciation for oysters’
the Florida-centric craft brew list nods
history, harvesting and enjoyment. At
to the beer hall origins. Meanwhile,
Coldwater Oyster market, he continues
Nardis’ inventive cocktail list—with
to research the bivalves daily and arms
drinks like the Gin & Juice with Kool-
his staff with intel so they can guide din-
Aid bitters—propels the restaurant into
ers, speaking to every facet of their meal.
fresh territory.
BEST OF THE SEASON
45
BEST OF CULINARY DEBUTS
The Bohemian’s baroque-meets-Palm Beach Regency
The Bohemian Restaurant
gold-accented lighting that adds
the globe, each dish is squarely
In a dinner that may start with
a dose of Art Deco cool. While
rooted in the Sunshine State, with
Asian-inspired lobster buns and
the interiors are intimate, an
Florida hardwood oak used to grill
end with Southern-accented
extensive patio nearly doubles
the bounty he gathers from local
sweet potato beignets with sor-
the seating.
farmers and fishers. “Reflections
ghum gelato, influences from
The succinct menu comprises
of the season will be highlighted in
Cuba, Peru, South Korea and
small, shareable plates and a
the ever-changing menu,” he says.
Greece seep into other dishes.
handful of larger entrees, both
On the beverage side, the 10-bot-
Like a true bohemian, the menu
of which layer complex flavors,
tle wine list highlights handpicked
at this new Bonita Springs restau-
often using ingredients that are
selections from lesser-known
rant wanders and dares.
made in-house. Rustic, house-
wineries, while the craft beer
In March, Caitlin Emery-
made lamb sausage features in the
menu showcases some of Florida’s
Schewe and Brandon Schewe,
flaky, wood-fired flatbread with
finest, like St. Pete’s Green Bench
the energetic team behind Down-
arugula, feta, pickled red onion
Brewing Company’s Sunshine
town Coffee and Wine Company,
and dill cream. And lobster buns
City IPA and Bradenton’s Motor-
opened their long-awaited
are dressed with the restaurant’s
works Brewing’s Adoptable Lager.
fine-dining concept off Old 41.
tarragon aioli and kimchi-style
Without a full liquor license, the
Inside, the 12-seat bar and small
cucumbers and celery.
Schewes are capitalizing on the
dining room lean baroque with
Brandon, who previously
low-ABV cocktail trend for drinks
jewel-tone walls and fabrics, Palm
cooked at The French and LaPlaya
like the Downtown Dream, which
Beach regency art and furnishings
Beach & Golf Resort’s BALEEN,
blends local Grumpy Goat cold
that were mostly thrifted from
focuses on technique and qual-
brew with Lillet Blanc, vanilla
around Southwest Florida and
ity. And, though his flavors span
and coconut-orange crème.
46
GULFSHORE LIFE
Anna Nguyen
interiors match the Florida-sourced, worldly menu.
BEST OF THE SEASON
47
With 10 tables and four counter seats
“I like to say it looks like a millionaire’s
For something untried in the area,
looking into the kitchen, El Basque
den,” Colón, who is also behind Bodega
this tapas bar brings the Spanish- and
feels like someone’s living room, with
Olé in the Naples Design District, says.
French-influenced flavors of its name-
navy walls covered with heavily framed,
The kitchen honors the autonomous
sake European region to a tiny corner of
Impressionist-inspired art done by
community on the western border
Bonita Springs’ Prado shopping center.
co-owner John Colón’s mother-in-law.
of Spain and France that holds tight
48
GULFSHORE LIFE
Anna Nguyen
El Basque Vin & Pintxo Bar
BEST OF CULINARY DEBUTS
style tapas, with gustatory gems like
Chef Marcela Garcia helms the
wine-infused figs with drunken goat
kitchen at this Bonita Springs
cheese, blood sausage with pimento-on-
tapas bar that honors one of the
ion slaw, and garlic-chili shrimp with
world’s best culinary regions:
bacon and cilantro crema. Charcuterie
Basque Country.
drifts into French territory with patés and cured sausages, then to Spain with ham, including the famed, acorn-fed jámon ibérico. Signature dishes may be new to the uninitiated, but the flavors are rustic and familiar. Broken pasta is cooked paella-style for the squid ink-infused rossejat noir, and pato naranja, a seared duck breast with roasted fennel, apples and blood orange jus, is reminiscent of French duck à l’orange. Vizcaina, a traditional seafood stew, nods to the region’s proximity to the diverse fisheries in the Bay of Biscay. Pair any of the dishes with cider or txakoli, a gently sparkling white wine that’s typically poured from 8 to 10 inches above to agitate the bubbles. End with the region’s famed burnt Basque cheesecake with its delicate, creamy interior and caramelized exterior. Why Basque cuisine? Colón was inspired to add French flavors to his Spanish repertoire when he smelled croissants baking in the space that would become El Basque. A lightbulb went on: “French and Spanish—that’s Basque,” he says. Colón and Argentinto its own language, traditions and
ian chef Marcela Garcia dove deep into
cuisine. (With heavy influences from
researching recipes and traditions. In
both countries, the region has one of
the process, both gained a deep respect
the world’s highest concentrations
for the cuisine and its distinct flavors,
of Michelin-starred restaurants.) El
resulting in a menu that even local
Basque focuses on pintxo, or Basque-
Basque-born guests praise.
BEST OF THE SEASON
49
CHEF HOMECOMING
SM ALL PL ATES, BIG FL AVOR
BEST OF
Chef Todd Johnson, of Lee County fame, returns to Naples with his first independent project, Nosh on Naples Bay. By Chelle Koster Walton Photography by Anna Nguyen
Todd Johnson is ingrained into
Nosh on Naples Bay at Naples Bay
Naples’ dining heritage. He had
Resort & Marina.
his finger in the pot at Chef’s Gar-
The menu collects dishes the
den (now Ridgway Bar & Grill),
chef has perfected through the
Bistro 821 (the catalyst for Fifth
years and reflects the love he and
Avenue South’s restaurant renais-
his wife and business partner,
sance in the 1990s) and Aqua Grill
Dana, share for trying different
at Waterside Shops (a two-year
dishes. “This is how Dana and
endeavor many still remember
I like to eat when we go out,” he
fondly), where he learned from
says of the small-plates format.
some of the best in the industry:
“So, we thought, ‘let’s name it
Tony Ridgway, Jesse Houseman
what it is.’”
and Michael Hernandez. Now,
Attention-grabbers on the
after 24 years split between Fort
globally inspired menu include
Myers’ now-shuttered Bistro 41
foie gras topped with apple gelée
and Cape Coral’s Rumrunners,
and seared Hokkaido scallop on
he’s back working in his home-
sweet corn bisque. Nosh caters to
town with his first restaurant,
more traditional tastes, too, with
50
GULFSHORE LIFE
standouts like the bluefin Niçoise salad for lunch and the dry-aged duck leg confit and crispy breast duo for dinner. A convivial, semicircular bar serves craft cocktails and wines selected by Todd, a certified sommelier. Salty, alfresco harbor seating achieves a relaxed, tucked-away environment: “I didn’t want touristy and a lot of foot traffic,” he says. Dana is responsible for the interior makeover of the space, formerly occupied by celebrity chef Art Smith’s 1500 South Restaurant & Bar. While Nosh is fully born of the Johnsons’ imaginations and talents, Todd is adamant that the chefs he learned from are responsible for this new step (Houseman, of Bistro 821, appears with Todd in a Doug Sampson painting that hangs on the cream-toned walls). “As far as what I learned from Tony, Mike and Jesse, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for all three of them,” he says.
BEST OF THE SEASON
51
CULTURE MAKER
HE(ART) OF DOWNTOWN BEST OF
In Fort Myers’ arts scene, all roads lead back to Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and the man responsible for making it all happen, Jim Griffith. By Stephanie Davis Photography by Dan Cutrona
On a recent Friday, Jim Griffith, the president and CEO of the
couple split briefly in the ’80s when he transferred to the Man-
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC), works on his laptop
hattan School of Music and was then accepted into The Juilliard
in a conference room on the main floor of the three-story build-
School. The budding musician received many offers to perform
ing, seated at a large glass table with a base that local metal artist
with orchestras in Florida, and he often invited Kara to join him.
Lawrence Voytek reconstructed out of gears from the building’s
“Juilliard had an open policy to let students off school to get real-
original elevator. In season, when he’s not clocking in at his other
world experience,” he says. After they both graduated, Kara, who
post as a violist for the Naples Philharmonic, he spends about 50
he remained in touch with, landed a gig as a violin teacher in
to 60 hours a week at SBDAC. Located in the heart of downtown
Fort Myers around the same time Griffith’s lease in New York
Fort Myers, the 1933-built, 30,000-square-foot gem originally
ended. Looking for a bigger-city vibe, he moved to Tampa, and
served as a United States Post Office before it became a court-
for a year, the couple traveled to see each other and perform
house and was abandoned in ’98. “There are so many pieces of
together, dubbing themselves the “I-75 Orchestra.” He joined
history here,” Griffith says, looking around the room. “I couldn’t
Kara in Fort Myers in 1989, the same year they both started with
let anything salvageable end up in a landfill.”
the Naples Philharmonic.
His curiosity and can-do attitude date back to middle school
Eager to grow the arts scene, Griffith connected with Patty
in Sarasota. In an orchestra class, he was handed the viola to play
Gair, a dance teacher at the head of the city’s Arts & Cultural
after he admitted to the teacher that he didn’t even know the
Affairs department. In the ’90s, they ran the New Arts Festival,
names of the instruments; that fortuitous moment spurred his
bringing chamber music, modern dance and theater to the his-
lifelong career as a violist. He went on to study music at Florida
toric Arcade Theatre. Eventually, Gair moved on, and Florida
State University, where he met his wife, Kara, a violinist. The
Repertory Theatre took over the Arcade for year-round pro-
52
GULFSHORE LIFE
BEST OF CULTURE MAKER
gramming, leaving Griffith in need of a new home to grow his arts outreach. “I walked by the old post office regularly,” he says. “In the ’60s, it was used as a courthouse, and they covered the original marble walls with paneling, covered the beautiful floors with carpet and linoleum, and dropped the high ceilings. When
Griffith’s nearly-20-year vision for
a new courthouse was built in the ’90s, the building sat decaying
a rooftop space at SBDAC came
and empty—I would peek in the windows and see huge puddles
to fruition last year with Sidney’s
of water from leaks.”
Rooftop Sculpture Garden.
To Griffith, the building “had art center written all over it.” Two vital people shared his vision: Former Fort Myers Mayor Jim Humphrey, who recognized the transformative power of the arts, and philanthropist Berne Davis, who, with her late husband, Sidney, had owned a bustling menswear store downtown in the neighborhood’s heyday. “You have to remember there was nothing downtown except a blighted neighborhood and crime
54
GULFSHORE LIFE
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BEST OF CULTURE MAKER
back then,” Griffith says. He acquired the building in 2003 when he signed a 99-year lease with the city to take over the historic structure for $1 annually (this included a promise to renovate and open it to the public within four years). In 2007, with the deadline to open looming, Davis pledged the $1 million naming gift that led to the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center we know today. In the past year, Griffith and his team have proven the center’s community impact with the debut of the much-anticipated rooftop space and a slate of inclusive programming. On a Friday afternoon, as he prepares for the monthly Art Walk—an event he co-founded with a handful of fellow art lovers in 2008—Griffith walks me through the building. In The Grand Atrium gallery on the first floor, an exhibit by two Cuban artists speaks to the center’s propensity for collaborations. Upstairs, a Los Angeles songwriter works on his new album in Six Fingers recording studio—a revenue incubator for the nonprofit and a resource for local talent. Griffith aims to have something going on every day of the year, whether that’s the Fort Myers Film Festival (which calls SBDAC home), dance performances, yoga classes or rooftop parties at Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden.
Griffith, who plays viola with the
Opened last year, the rooftop has been in Griffith’s mind since
Naples Philharmonic, was also
the beginning and was officially kickstarted in 2007. Complica-
behind the creation of Art Walk
tions and costs mounted, pushing the project for nearly 15 years
and Music Walk—catalysts for
until he raised the $2 million needed. Now, he’s adding a lower
downtown’s renaissance.
deck with additional sculptures that visitors can view from the rooftop and second-floor windows. Standing on the rooftop, Griffith looks onto the now-bustling First Street: “I became so obsessed and passionate about making this a success—and failure was not an option.”
56
GULFSHORE LIFE
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GULFSHORE LIFE
ARTIST TO KNOW
DESERT ROSE BEST OF
With her latest series, rising Naples artist Kristy Gammill explores the dualities between the country’s Western and Eastern landscapes. By Jonathan Griffin Photography by Kelly Jones
Plants, nature and landscape have
pilot husband, and sometimes with
long influenced Kristy Gammill’s
a childhood friend who is now an art
work. Her early figurative paintings,
critic. Seeing different kinds of art
usually done on stretched canvas,
worldwide has been essential to her
often showed explosive compositions
creative growth. As she studies the
of the tropical foliage found locally—
work of other artists and the topics
monstera, bird-of-paradise flowers,
and ideas they’re exploring, she asks
elephant-ear leaves. But, a trip to the
herself, “What do I want to have a
High Desert of the Mojave, around
conversation with?”
Joshua Tree, California, presented a fresh catalyst for the artist.
On that 2019 trip to California, she visited the Frieze Los Angeles art
Gammill travels widely, some-
fair and the Desert X biennial in the
times with her children and her
Coachella Valley. Cruising through the arid Californian desert, the colors of the landscape started to bring about ideas to propel her art. Color has always been a focal point for the accomplished artist, who’s best known for her floral paintings. She has had partnerships with brands like One Kings Lane and Hallmark and is a go-to for local interior designers. “Colors convey feeling; they can cause emotional responses in people,” she says. The series that Gammill began soon after
BEST OF THE SEASON
59
BEST OF ARTIST TO KNOW
flat on the ground, using watered-down acrylics that seep and spread through the fabric. After painting, she often draws on the works with charcoal, adding outlines that resemble cracks or faults. Whether seen close up or from high overhead, the paintings evoke images of the desert floor, with muted shades of cream, brown, soft pink, and green-gray. This toggle between the micro and the macro, between evocations of granular detail and distant satellite imagery, lends the paintings an indeterminate scale. “The colors are more of a mood than anything else,” she says. “The overall collection of works, between the florals and abstracts and everything else, it’s more of a feeling that I’m trying to get through. The abstract form leaves it open to interpretation for the viewer.” These large abstract paintings often begin as details, blown up from her much smaller works of flowers and plants. Sometimes, she combines these plants with female figures, usually done as self-portraits or depictions
60
Color is a core focus for
her California trip signals an exciting
Gammill. Her new abstracts
gear change for her work. These new
When she moved to Florida from her
allow more room for
abstract paintings, bigger and more
native Oklahoma in 2017, Gammill was
interpretation of the feelings
formally experimental than anything
astonished by the plants she found, espe-
her tawny shades evoke.
that preceded them, win her deserved
cially at Naples Botanical Garden. “In
attention. Harking back to the bold,
Oklahoma, everything dies,” she laughs.
expressive work of mid-century female
In Naples, orchids take root on trunks
painters such as Helen Frankenthaler,
of trees. The aesthetic of the natural
Joan Mitchell and Lee Krasner, Gammill
world informs her paintings’ textures,
has developed her own visual language
too—as with their crumpled canvas and
that is entirely of the moment.
softly fraying edges. “I like that slightly
GULFSHORE LIFE
of her daughter.
Informally, she refers to this series as
disheveled quality,” Gammill says. “I
her “soak-stain paintings.” She works
like when there’s a little bit of rawness.”
on unstretched, unprimed canvas laid
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BEST OF ARTIST TO KNOW
“I like when there is a little rawness,” the artist says about her nature-inspired works.
62
her canvases stretched, she also likes
so vigorous in the brushstrokes,” she
to display them hanging loosely from
acknowledges. “Right now, I’m just like,
wooden bars, like tapestries.
‘OK, slow down … Stand back, and chill
As a busy mother and prolific creator,
out.’” For Gammill, the slowness of the
it would be understandable if the ener-
landscape—whether the Western desert
getic pace of her daily life inflected her
or her subtropical Gulf setting—points to
art. “In my other work, I’ve always been
a way to live and a way to paint.
GULFSHORE LIFE
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BEST OF
MUSEUM NEWS
ALL ABOARD An unsung gem on Fifth Avenue South, the Naples Depot Museum, gets an upgrade with an addition that honors Black history.
Black history is intertwined with rail-
important points in local history with an
ban Architects is on board for the project,
roads. Enslaved people and then freed-
emphasis on transportation’s impact.
and The Collier Community Foundation
men did the arduous work of laying
When the idea arose to honor Black his-
has already awarded a $15,000 grant for
the tracks that crisscross the country.
tory locally, the museum—housed in a
the initial drawings.
Railroad magnate George Pullman
refurbished Seaboard Air Line Railroad
Keeys says the space will tell the sto-
hired mostly Black men to work on his
passenger station—emerged as a natural
ries of railway workers, share local Black
sleeper cars. These so-called Pullman
fit. Now, Collier County Museums and
history and document the lives of notable
porters often toiled with long hours,
the local NAACP chapter are in the early
African Americans, like Florida author
low pay and racism. But the work was
stages of developing what could be the
Zora Neale Hurston. Though the Collier
steady. “The rail industry literally
first permanent Black history exhibit in
museum system has previously held tem-
moved African Americans out of pov-
the county in a soon-to-be-renovated
porary exhibits and events showcasing
erty and into the middle class,” Vin-
baggage car onsite.
Black history, Amanda Townsend, the
cent Keeys, president of the NAACP
It’s too early to tell when the exhibit
director of the county’s museums, says the
Collier County and a retired railroad
may open (estimates for construction
addition allows the county to build on the
employee, says.
are around 15 months). But, the groups
rather limited collection: “We’re serious
Meanwhile, the Naples Depot Museum,
recently started a $1 million fundraising
about representing the Black experience
a gem off Fifth Avenue South, documents
campaign for construction. David Cor-
with this project.”
64
GULFSHORE LIFE
Courtesy Collier County Museums
By Justin Paprocki
I support the Conservancy because I believe in the work they’re doing to help our native wildlife. Every year inside the von Arx Wildlife Hospital, staff are treating and releasing thousands of injured and orphaned wild animals that need help to survive. Stand with me. Become a supporter of the Conservancy today and help protect our water, land, wildlife, and future.
What do you STAND for?
Pam Fultz Senior Community Relations Manager, Vi at Bentley Village
BEST OF
MILESTONE
SPRING FORWARD As Shangri-La Springs turns 101, it reclaims its reputation as a wellness destination. By Justin Paprocki
During a Tuesday brunch, the patio at
next 70-plus years, the property was
progressive health-centric, veggie-driven
Shangri-La Springs’ newly reopened
sold eight times, including twice in the
restaurant that opened in 2019 —is back
Harvest & Wisdom restaurant buzzes
1960s to doctors, who established it as a
to drawing from its on-site organic gar-
with diners. General manager Lee Bel-
wellness center. After foreclosing in the
dens for brunch, served Tuesday through
lamy leads a touring visitor past the
’90s under another owner, Shangri-La
Saturday. Shangri-La has also revamped
six-room spa and towering Mysore fig
closed for more than ten years before
its programming with garden tours, yoga
tree toward tranquil Oak Creek, which
the current owners, Lama Hana Trust,
and meditation classes. And, in season,
bisects the 8-acre Bonita Springs prop-
reopened the property.
monthly Art & Soul nights host live music
erty. Reclining chairs tucked between the
Last year, the pandemic overshad-
trees face a fountain, which sprays into
owed Shangri-La’s 100th-anniversary
the air while a turtle makes ripples in the
celebrations. The spa and restaurant
In March, Shangri-La took another
dark water at its base. “We want people
have been closed (other than a few short
leap, debuting six renovated hotel rooms
to come and experience this,” Bellamy
stints) since April 2020. Now, as it turns
and two on-property suites—marking the
says. “We have an Old Florida feel here.
101, Shangri-La reclaims its place as a
first time guests can stay onsite since the
You can’t find anything else quite like it.”
wellness destination and community
1990s. Most rooms open with French
In 1921, real estate developer Harvie
hub. The spa has reopened with spring-
doors to private, bamboo-fenced patios
Heitman built the 25-room hotel next
side massages, Indigenous-inspired
to soak in the lush landscape. So, book
to a natural mineral spring as a retreat
treatments, organic seaweed body buffs
yourself a night and toast to another
for soon-to-be homeowners. Over the
and reiki sessions. Harvest & Wisdom—a
century for this restorative retreat.
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GULFSHORE LIFE
and a market with organic produce from
Courtesy Shangri-La Springs/Bill Oberman
the gardens.
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ENVIRONMENTAL WIN
UNDER THE M ANGROVES BEST OF
Conservation groups rally to restore and protect Florida’s vital coastal trees. By Jennifer Reed
Mangroves take care of people in ways
the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conserva-
almost too numerous to count. They
tion Commission (FWC), which is man-
serve as nurseries for fish, filter excess
aging the project along with the City of
nutrients from water, capture and store
Marco Island and Rookery Bay National
carbon, prevent soil erosion and act as
Estuarine Research Reserve. With the
coastal barriers against wind and waves.
improved hydrology, the damaged trees are expected to regenerate.
have been disappearing. But there’s good
Meanwhile, Sanibel-Captiva Conser-
news: The rate of decline has slowed and
vation Foundation is enlisting the com-
efforts to protect and restore mangroves
munity in its rehab efforts in the Pine
have surged. That’s evident locally thanks
Island Sound, where mangroves never
to two significant undertakings.
recovered from 2004’s Hurricane Char-
On Marco Island, the region’s larg-
ley. With a $150,000 grant from the FWC,
est restoration project broke ground
last year, volunteers helped install oyster
last fall along San Marco Road, about a
reefs using fossilized shells that act as
mile west of Goodland, where 64 acres
natural seawalls for the islands and give
of mangroves have perished since the
trees a chance to take root. (Mangrove
road’s installation in 1938, and another
‘foster parents’ tended tiny trees at home
160 acres are critically damaged. “It’s the
until they were big enough to plant.) A
largest continuous patch being affected
survey last January found hundreds of
in our area,” says Conservancy of South-
new trees flourishing where restoration
west Florida’s Kathy Worley, whose
is underway.
research in Rookery Bay since the 1990s has been pivotal for local conservation.
Among the many anticipated benefits of these efforts are improved fish-
The Fruit Creek Farm Mangrove
ing and better storm protection. As an
Restoration Project—which has been
example of the mangroves’ critical
decades in the making—installs culverts
role, Worley recalls Hurricane Irma
under San Marco Road to restore the
in 2017: “If we didn’t have the Ten
natural flow of water, so it carries in fresh
Thousand Islands and its mangroves,
oxygen and nutrients and expels waste,
we’d still be trying to put ourselves
explains Corey Anderson, a biologist with
back together.”
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GULFSHORE LIFE
Getty
Globally, however, these watery forests
BEST OF THE SEASON
69
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HEART FOR EDUCATION GALA Hosted at Saint Ann School in support of the Saint Ann Catholic School Foundation Ph ot o g ra p hy by AP Al ex a nd e r
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FRONT AND CENTER GALA Hosted at Sugden Plaza in support of The Naples Players P ho t o g ra p hy by AP Al ex a nd e r
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1 Malena Tucker, Olivia LaChance, Eric and Micha Olson, Madeleine Seifert 2 Nancy Woolf, Karen Sear 3 David and Vicky Smith 4 Stephanie and Tim Savage 5 Trent and Cheryl Waterhouse 6 Tom and Martha Moore, Barbara and Jack Morgan 7 Terry and Bob Edwards 8 Robert and Dede Brownlee 9 Katie Cross, Bryce Alexander
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ROMA ROMANCE GALA Hosted at Arthrex One in support of Opera Naples Ph ot ogra p hy by AP Al ex a nd e r
1 Brandon Baker, Rachid Benmoussa 2 Gisselle and Jorge Calleja 3 Ilkay Turk, Sophia Alanis, Rasit Turk 4 Sondra Quinn, Cindy Segemann, Louise Ost 5 Gabriel Alves, Lisa Gentil
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ZOOBILEE Hosted at and in support of Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens Ph ot ograp hy by AP Al ex a nd e r
1 Nina Van Arsdale, Kelsey O'Donnell 2 Elena and Mitchel Ramos 2
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BEST OF ST YLE
FROM SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, WITH LOVE
Local designers channel the coast with lightweight designs, rare stones and eco-conscious materials. By Ruthia Fuller Photography by
Prop styling by Anna Ruiz
Bridges Aderhold
BEST OF LOCAL DESIGN
Previous page: Fort Myers jewelry designer Mark Loren arranged large fancy cut aquamarine and morganite around diamond-trimmed sections for this white gold necklace. Contemporary Aquamarine Collar, Mark Loren Designs, marklorendesigns.com Right: Loren earned an Editor’s Choice honor at the American Gem Trade Association Spectrum Awards for this pair of earrings, crafted with green Brazilian tourmalines, pink topaz, amethysts and diamonds and framed by rare polyhedral agate geode slices. Geode Earrings, Mark Loren Designs, marklorendesigns.com
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GULFSHORE LIFE
BEST OF STYLE
85
BEST OF LOCAL DESIGN
Fort Myers designers Rasit and Ilkay Turk—best known for their line of silks printed with handpainted patterns and motifs—created this timeless clutch with vegan leather. T&T Laser-Cut Envelope Clutch, Turk & Turk, turkandturk.com
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GULFSHORE LIFE
Naples designer Laurie Hilburg created this talisman with stones that are said to have healing powers: moonstone for emotional balance and feminine strength, gray jasper for creativity and druzy for harmony. Bella Terra Necklace, Laurie Hilburg Jewelry, lauriehilburg.com
BEST OF STYLE
87
Another handmade design from Hilburg, the ring juxtaposes an imperfect baroque pearl with a round-cut citrine. Simone Citrine and Pearl Ring, Laurie Hilburg Jewelry, lauriehilburg.com
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GULFSHORE LIFE
BEST OF LOCAL DESIGN
Mix and match metals with these dainty accessories from Naples native and third-generation jeweler Vivian Grimes, who launched her brand to create timeless pieces that are perfect for layering. Nicole Diamond Cuff and Diamond Hoop and Emerald Chain Drop Earrings, Henri Noël, henrinoel.com
BEST OF LOCAL DESIGN
Pittsburgh transplant Graciana Rodriguez uses faceted black spinel mixed with an oxidized silver pendant, diamonds and a baroque pearl to create a sophisticated take on a beaded necklace. Gardell by Graciana Choker and Necklace, Shannon Green Collection, shannongreen.com
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GULFSHORE LIFE
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THOUGHT LEADER OF THE GULFSHORE This May, Chanel McGregor will celebrate
Receiving the right cancer care often
her first anniversary with the American
means patients must travel far from home
Cancer Society (ACS) as the staff partner
for treatment. The American Cancer
for one of the premiere distinguished
Society’s Hope Lodge program provides
events in Naples: The Bucket List Bash. The
people with cancer and their caregivers
University of Miami grad who earned her
a home away from home in a supportive,
Bachelor of Science in Communications
caring environment so they can focus on
and Women & Gender Studies and Master
getting better. In 2019, 10% of the guests
of Arts in Liberal Studies is no stranger
who stayed at the Richard M. Schulze
to the Naples philanthropic community.
Family Foundation Hope Lodge in Tampa
She’s been working together with key
were from Collier and Lee County.
stakeholders in Southwest Florida for over eight years.
moment raised funds for ACS research.
What’s on Chanel’s bucket list? The
While the American Cancer Society
energetic development professional says
conducts its own research, they are also
it’s helping others recognize the benefits
the largest nongovernmental, nonprofit
and value of investing in groundbreaking
funder of research in the United States,
research and positively impacting the
funding over $9 million in Florida alone*
lives of cancer patients. “It’s important to
and proudly funding 49 investigators who
me to support cancer patients, survivors,
have gone on to win the Nobel Prize.
and those affected by cancer,” said Chanel. “This is where I’ve always wanted to be.”
Chanel McGregor Senior Development Manager American Cancer Society chanel.mcgregor@cancer.org www.acsbucketlistbash.com
As
a
child,
Chanel
watched
Cancer and cancer research are bigger than Collier County, but with support from the
her
Naples community, we can fund research
grandfather, who had never smoked,
nationally, creating a ripple effect. “We’re
battle lung cancer and undergo a variety of
helping people here, but also nationwide,
treatments including surgery to have his
which is a unique, profound opportunity
lung removed. The experience influenced
to change the world,” said Chanel. “The
her career path in such a way that it became
Naples community shows up and gives
her goal to work for the American Cancer
generously in the fight against cancer and
Society, the nation’s largest voluntary
for that, we are so very grateful.”
health organization, because she feels ACS is at the forefront of cancer research, patient care, and advocacy.
“The Naples community shows up and gives generously in the fight against cancer, and for that we are so very grateful.”
This year’s Bucket List Bash mission
While Chanel may have only joined the American Cancer Society a year ago, she is already making an incredible
Chanel also had the opportunity to
impact on the American Cancer Society’s
experience
programs
mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and
firsthand. “Before I came to American
lead the fight for a world without cancer.
Cancer Society, I had a former co-worker
Congratulations on a successful first year,
stay at a Hope Lodge in Ohio,” she said.
Chanel!
ACS
patient
“Several of our co-workers went with her as caregivers and it’s just an incredible resource.”
*As of 8/1/21.
NO _ 5 1 9
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Features
“I was thinking about how our child is the of fspring of dif ferent situations—my dad’s Seminole heritage, my mom f rom Ohio, Ben being f rom Chile. No matter what, if you strip away the dif ferent exterior colors, it ’s all the same clay underneath.” —A r tist Jessica Osceola
p_ 10 6
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T he Lionf ish Hunters
106
Seminole A rt ist Jessica Osceola
T h e d u o b eh i n d S a n i b el - fo u n d e d S a l a t i n o S e a fo o d f i g h t s b a c k a ga i n s t t h e d e a d l y, i n va s i ve l i o n f i s h w i t h d el i c i o u s r e s u l t s.
B Y
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G R A H A M
AV E R I L L
GULFSHORE LIFE
000
Candice Heizmann
L
ionfish eat too much. The puffy,
colorful carnivores will suck up any fish small enough to fit in their mouths. If a lionfish moves into a coral reef, it quickly eats all of its inhabitants. And then there’s the concern with breeding: A female can lay up to 2 million eggs a year. Natural predators check the tropical fish’s numbers in its native Indian and South Pacific Oceans, but those eating and mating habits are disastrous where they don’t belong. A single lionfish living on a coral reef can reduce the population of native fish by 79% in just five weeks, according to researchers. That’s what’s happening in the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, where lionfish have been running amok, becoming one of the most devastating invasive species in the United States in the past 30 years. But the fish are also delicious, and eating them might be the best way to control their populations. Salatino Seafood is trying to make it easier for American chefs and diners to fill their plates for the sustainable. It’s a net positive,” Roland Salatino, who founded the company with fellow former consultant Aarav Chavda, says. The pair had
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Zach Stovall (2)
good of our oceans. “Eating this fish is beyond
At Salatino Seafood, owners Roland Salatino and Aarav Chavda are creating a market for invasive lionfish by paying spearfishers for their catch, processing the fillets and distributing them to restaurants.
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species in five weeks, and catching them requires labor-intensive spearfishing.
Gulfand Atlantic Ocean. One lionfish can decimate 79% of a reef’s native
Lionfish, native to Indo-Pacific waters, wreak havoc on marine life in the
Zach Stovall (3), Candice Heizmann
been diving off the coast of Florida together for
Salatino says. Reflecting on the effects of over-
years and had witnessed firsthand the boom-
fishing on popular seafood species, like salmon,
ing population of lionfish and its degrading ef-
which are on the brink of elimination in certain
fects on the state’s extensive reef system. They
areas, he started wondering if fishing patterns
founded Salatino Seafood on Sanibel in 2020
could positively benefit the issue of invasive li-
to act as a broker between the divers catching
onfish. “Think about what our appetites have
the fish and the chefs serving it, singlehanded-
done with salmon or tuna populations,” he says.
ly creating a stable market for the seafood. “We
“Why can’t we turn that consumer machine onto
want to give divers incentive to get in the water,
something that doesn’t belong?”
so they want to hunt lionfish instead of our na-
But seafood lovers have been slow to respond
tive grouper,” Salatino says. He has increased
to this particular fish, partly because of its ven-
the market price for large lionfish from $4 per
omous spines, which create a misconception
pound to $6.50 per pound to motivate spear-
among diners that the meat is poisonous, and
fishers.“Every time you eat lionfish at a restau-
partly because the fillets aren’t common on
rant, you’re helping our planet recover.”
restaurant menus or in seafood shops. Lionfish
The history of the lionfish in our oceans is a
isn’t an easy catch: They won’t bite a hook and
little murky. They were first documented off the
can’t be caught with nets because they live on
coast of Florida in 1985. Experts believe the pop-
reefs. You have to dive and hunt them with pole
ular aquarium species were introduced when a
spears, which limits the number of people who
few tank owners, tired of feeding the voracious
can actively remove them from the ocean since
eaters, released them into the ocean. Our warm
there are far fewer divers than fishers. Lionfish
waters and ample food supply helped them
are slow moving and therefore easy to spear,
thrive. “The meteor that killed the dinosaurs
but divers have to get around the fish’s natural
wiped out 75% of species globally. Lionfish are
defense mechanism: 18 venomous spines.“I’ve
wiping out almost 80% on a reef-by-reef basis,”
been hit by one of those spines, and it’s one of
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GULFSHORE LIFE
Zach Stovall
training program that teaches how to catch the venomous species safely.
Along with above-market pay, Salatino Seafood incentivizes divers with a new
101
Salatino in the last six months, says. She stud-
have been preparing it in a variety of ways, from
ied the impact of lionfish on reef systems while
sashimi to stews. And even though lionfish are
at Penn State University and has been hunting
venomous, eating them is perfectly safe. The
them steadily for the past six years. “Each one
venom is contained within the spines, which are
you take out, you’re stopping thousands more
removed during the filet process, and the meat is
from being born,” she says.
low in mercury. Harold Balink, chef and owner of
Pierone estimates that 15% of divers in Flor-
Harold’s in Fort Myers, likes to let the fish speak
ida are actively targeting the species. The Flori-
for itself in his dishes, using citrus and herbs to
da Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
enhance the flavor without masking it. “I describe
hosts regular lionfish derbies where prize mon-
to people at the restaurant that it’s similar to hog-
ey is awarded in different categories, as well as
fish,” he says. “It’s not as sweet. The fillets are a lit-
a summerlong Lionfish Challenge with com-
tle more delicate but very white, light and flaky.”
mercial and recreational divers competing to
He’s served lionfish at his restaurants for years
see who can haul in the most (last year’s winner
but has found it hard to keep on the menu due
caught 1,632). The commission also sponsors
to the burden of processing them. “Lionfish is
an annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness
a pain in the butt to clean because of the spines
Day this month. Salatino Seafood sees an up-
and the small size of the fish, so it’s not cost-ef-
tick in commercial divers who target lionfish,
fective to pay someone $20 an hour to cut up a
and they’re encouraging the practice with a new
few ounces of fillet,” Balink says.
training program that equips and teaches divers to hunt the species safely.
Enter Salatino Seafood, which handles all of the prep chefs can’t afford to do in their own kitch-
Processing is also problematic, and there
ens. Salatino purchases the fish whole from divers
hasn’t been a good system to harvest lionfish
and transports the catch on ice to its processing
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GULFSHORE LIFE
Zach Stovall (2)
pactful. Chefs rave about the fish’s utility and
level, so the local species can bounce back. That’s the goal.”
who caught roughly 200 pounds of lionfish for
above) says. “But we can eat enough of them to get them below an impact
for restaurants at a large enough scale to be im-
“We can’t eliminate the lionfish population entirely,” Salatino (pictured
the worst pains I’ve ever felt,” Danielle Pierone,
Gutter Credit 10 4
GULFSHORE LIFE
The company supplies local restaurants, including Harold’s in Fort Myers, where
Zach Stovall (4)
chef-owner Harold Balink covets the fish for its sweet, delicate, flaky flesh.
facilities in Destin and Tampa, where trained em-
under the brand, Inversa Leathers. Lionfish skin
ployees remove the skins and fillet the fish. An-
is incredibly durable and strong, making it an ide-
tivenom is on hand, but the risk of serious injury
al substitute for cowhide.
is low. “It’ll hurt,” Salatino says of the spines. “But
Their efforts are making a difference. Peri-
you can get a lot worse done to you by a bacterially
one says most of the shallow reefs she sees close
contaminated snapper spine.”
to shore are now devoid of lionfish, which have
The fish is then individually quick frozen and
moved to deeper reefs and wrecks where recre-
delivered or shipped to restaurants in Florida
ational divers are less apt to hunt. Although it’s
and beyond, as far south as Aruba and as far north
preferable to see the lionfish moving into con-
as New York City. According to Balink, this is an
centrated areas instead of ravishing reefs up and
integral step toward getting more lionfish in front
down the coast, having them move into deep-
of American diners. In just two years, Salatino
er reefs that are harder to hunt is problematic,
has become the largest lionfish buyer and distrib-
too; engineers are working on lionfish traps that
utor in Florida. Last year, its divers removed an
could be set in areas that recreational divers can’t
estimated 10,000 lionfish from our waters. This
reach. Still, seeing the lionfish abandon the hunt-
year, they’re hoping to double their catch. Har-
ed reefs shows that actively pursuing this species
old’s is a consistent client, and The Sanctuary on
can have a positive impact. “We can’t eliminate
Sanibel Island and the Captiva Island Yacht Club
the lionfish population entirely. They breed too
have also featured Salatino’s lionfish.
fast,” Salatino says. “But we can eat enough of
Salatino and Chavda have also expanded their business beyond filets, debuting lionfish leather
them to get them below an impact level, so the local species can bounce back. That’s the goal.”
10 5
Fro m h e r m i c ro f a r m i n E s t e ro, J e s s i c a O s c e o l a p r e s e r ve s a n d p ro p el s h e r Seminole heritage, weaving together her ar tistic education, lessons and traditions from h e r t r i b e a n d r e s p e c t fo r t h e l a n d t h a t s u s t a i n s h e r f a m i l y o f fo u r. B Y
L A U R E N
A M A L I A
P H O T O G A P H Y
B Y
R E D D I N G
T I N A
S A R G E A N T
Jessica Osceola weaves traditional textiles and sculpts ceramics that reflect her multiracial heritage. “If I stop, then it stops in my kids,” she says. “It is important that they see me practice and create in Seminole ways.”
S
unlight crawls over the thick grass at Campo de Velasco, rendering the blades into shards of glowing metal. Jessica Osceola—the Seminole artist who established this 10-acre farm with her husband, Benjamin
Velasco, in 2018—has already been awake for a couple of hours, getting their two sons fed and ready for the day before she leaves to teach her ceramics class at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). “Everything I do is about cycles,” she says. “And the cycles keep on growing.” This is reflected in nearly every facet of her bustling life: the family she’s raising, the artwork she makes and teaches, the sustainable lifestyle she’s established. Though only in her late 30s, she’s already familiar with old Sem-
10 8
GULFSHORE LIFE
inole traditions and their origins, identities, new adaptations and the wonder of life and—most profoundly—how to move forward after it ends. Osceola, whose father is Seminole and whose mother is Irish-American, spent most of her childhood in her great-grandmother’s village along Tamiami Trail. Houses were small and modest, and most domestic activities took place under open-air chickees. She was first exposed to art in the village, where she remembers her father fashioning gifts from turtle shells and bent willow saplings. Her elderly female family members made a lasting impression, too, with their brightly patterned patchwork textiles fashioned into skirts, aprons and cloth dolls.
10 9
After graduating from FGCU in 2008, Osceola took a job at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she worked and lived among other Native American artists for a year. When she returned home, her sister Karie—the “much more still and patient” child who learned from her elders—started teaching Osceola Seminole patchwork. By 2010, Osceola began working full time as a traditional arts specialist for the Seminole Tribe, developing curriculums and teaching fellow tribe members how to sew, weave sweetgrass baskets and bead. She went back to grad school, completing most of her coursework from San Francisco’s Academy of Art University remotely, and in 2016, she graduated with a master’s degree in sculpture.
T
hough textiles play a prominent role in her artistic practice—Osceola’s 2021 solo show at the Marco Island Historical Society, aptly titled Creating Home, focused on her stitched works—the beating heart of
her creative work is sculpture. As an artist, she braids the various strands of her
education: the formal degrees; her more broad, structured study of Native American art; and the Seminole arts and crafts handed down through generations. She mostly creates ceramic self-portraits in the form of bas-reliefs—sculptures compacted onto a single shallow panel rather than a three-dimensional piece. She molds clay into
Bas-relief can be found in nearly every civilization as long as humans had tools
self-portrait bas-
to chisel stone. Sandstone carvings depict Hindu stories on the door lintels of
reliefs, with figures
Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple, and scenes of deities were carved into the rock
raised inches from the
of Ancient Egyptian tombs. And though the Seminole—who trace their ances-
background. Glazes
try to the Southeastern United States’ earliest inhabitants nearly 12,000 years
add color to define hair
ago—aren’t known for creating bas-reliefs, Osceola’s sculptures add her tribe’s
or bold jewelry.
imagery to the artistic tradition. Her process changed from freestanding, 3D sculptures once she delved into her thesis work, which revolved around photography, figures and sculptures. “Bas-reliefs fit the nook between sculpture and two-dimensional
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111
artwork,” she says. The pieces begin with Osceola photographing her own face and body. She translates those self-portraits into clay, using the mud to explore the “hard versus soft forms” of the human body and its emotions, her primary subject of interest. The ceramics leave much of their clay exposed, its earthy hues and tactility perfect for depicting skin. “I always try to work with two colors, especially a redder-colored clay,” she says. “I know it’s stereotypical to talk about Native Americans as ‘red,’ but the Seminole do describe themselves as red-toned in their own language.” The faces possess startlingly frank expressions: They gaze out watchfully, more alert and self-possessed than distrusting. The bas-reliefs coincided with the birth of her first son in 2013. “So many of my self-portraits were about discovering and self-reflecting on motherhood,” she says. “I was thinking about how our child is the offspring of different situations—my dad’s Seminole heritage, my mom from Ohio, Ben being from Chile. No matter what, if you strip away the different exterior colors, it’s all the same clay underneath.”
S
ince Osceola’s artwork revolves around ideas of identity, multiculturalism and motherhood, it’s fitting that she uses clay—often associated with vessels and earth—as her medium. It makes sense, too, that she’s
The John and Mable
driven to cultivate the dirt on her farm. Osceola and Velasco, a personal trainer
Ringling Museum of
and retired firefighter, founded Campo de Velasco as a rustic reprieve, where bees
Art in Sarasota recently
buzz around wildflowers, tidy fences weave across the pastures and children can
announced a show for
run and tumble on soft ground instead of over sprinkler heads.
Osceola in 2023 and
The family had been living on 2.5 acres in Golden Gate Estates, but they dreamt
purchased one of her
of a more sustainable, rural lifestyle. Velasco grew up spending summers on cattle
works—their first by a
ranches in his native Chile and wanted cows of his own. Osceola didn’t blink at his
Seminole artist.
wishes, having grown up watching her father hunt and fish. They also harbored concerns about their long-term environmental footprint and, most pressingly, the immediate effects of processed foods on their growing family’s health.
113
Their farm provides everything from protein to produce, and Osceola and Velasco complete each day’s hefty list of chores themselves. Besides tending an orchard with fruit trees, the couple grows low-maintenance produce (kale, turnips, tomatoes) that thrive naturally in Southwest Florida without chemical pesticides or fertilizer. Roaming chickens peck the ground on the range for insects, while gentler ducks provide pest control in the 60-by-60-foot garden. The family carefully breed miniature cows, called Zebu, that originated in Africa and India and adore the hot, humid weather. “Ben is their rancher, I’m their doctor, and our son Joaquin is my medical assistant,” she says. The couple describes Campo de Velasco as a sustainable microfarm, meaning they only farm on a scale large enough to support their family of four. Their livestock grazes and eats hay while the poultry gets organic feed. And in lieu of chemical fertilizers, they make vigorous use of two separate composting systems and livestock-supplied manure to enrich their soil. The farm’s small size also helps conserve energy and water, with a pond on the property supplementing their small irrigation system. “It’s all interconnected,” Osceola says. “The animals eat clean food that they excrete onto the ground. Then their waste goes into the soil or even into the water runoff. That gets absorbed by the plants, which produce the veggies we eat. Then we compost from that produce, it goes back into the ground that the animals graze and it starts all over again.”
W
hen the couple started Campo de Velasco four years ago, it wasn’t romanticized on a whim. They had their hands full: Osceola had just copleted a graduate program with a toddler in tow and was teaching
ceramics as an adjunct professor at FGCU, while Velasco worked long shifts as a firefighter and EMT in Immokalee. The frequency of her art exhibitions—including an ambitious two-year traveling show of Native American artists from the Southeast, Return from Exile—took a backseat as she focused on building the farm.
116
GULFSHORE LIFE
Four years ago, she and her husband, Ben Velasco, created Campo de Velasco, a microfarm where they live off the land with their two sons, Joaquin and McCoy.
117
11 8
GULFSHORE LIFE
During this time, her interest in sculpting also ebbed for personal reasons. In 2018, Osceola suffered an early-term stillbirth at just over 20 weeks into her second pregnancy. “We were so depressed,” she says. In a herculean effort to shield her then-4-year-old son, Joaquin, from the worst of their heartache, she’d hide in the shower to cry. “I wanted to wash away the feeling of death,” she says. “We had to ‘fake it ’til we made it,’ for Joaquin, you know? But he knew. I would tell him that I’m sad, that the sadness is normal, that it comes and goes.” The clay’s tactility lost its appeal—the material and forms she made with it were too closely connected with motherhood. Anything resembling skin and flesh felt repugnant. “I just abandoned the material and work that was so connected to who I am,” she says. That’s when they decided to make good on their yearning for a proper farm, where they had room to heal. Using hard labor to distract themselves with a new focus, they cultivated a fresh start. In 2020, Osceola found out that she was pregnant again. A couple of years had passed, but their grief was still sharp. “I was so scared all over again,” she confesses. “I had the fear of death constantly lurking over my shoulder.” Nine months later, in the spring of 2021, she gave birth to a little boy they named McCoy. Now a little over 1 year old with sandy hair, he’s healthy, strong and inquisitive. “I want other women to know there is life,” she says slowly and quietly, “after a stillbirth.” For better or for worse, Osceola intimately understands life’s cycles. “The
Themes surrounding her
farm has taught me that nature has its own way,” she says. In the same way
multiracial identity and
that she sustains Campo de Velasco so that her sons can feast from its land
ideas about motherhood are
for years to come, she preserves her Native American traditions for her sons
also reflected in her work.
to pass on to future generations. Joaquin, now 8, is busy learning Seminole arts from his mother, who continues to sew, bead, weave and carve. “If I stop, then it stops in my kids,” she says. “It is important that they see me practice and create in Seminole ways. My Seminole heritage is an undercurrent for so much of what I do and how I make decisions. That’s how I grew up. I want my sons to remember their roots.”
119
THE BEST OF TH GULFSH 2022 12 0
GULFSHORE LIFE
The readers of Gulfshore Life have selected their favorite things about living in paradise and these local businesses have made the list. The Best of the Gulfshore is a write-in ballot hosted on gulfshorelife. com for two months every year. We're excited to share this year's winners and finalists— in over 100 categories—and give them an opportunity to
E ORE
tell you more about their businesses.
READERS' CHOICE ANNUAL AWARDS
12 1
Thank You!
For Voting Us, Best of The Gulfshore Finalist! OVER TWO DECADES BRINGING HIGH-END BRANDS TO SOUTHWEST FLORIDA. ALL AT A FRACTION OF WHAT YOU’D EXPECT TO PAY! Never A Wait! Buy It Off The Showroom Floor, Take It Home With You or Have it Delivered!
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
Voted “Best Furniture Store” By Readers of Naples Daily News 10 Years In A Row!
5450 TAMIAMI TRAIL N. • NAPLES 239.594.1555 M - S AT 9 - 5 S U N 1 0 - 5 • W W W. A L I S O N C R A I G H O M E . C O M • FA M I LY O W N E D A N D O P E R AT E D, C E L E B R AT I N G O U R 2 1 S T Y E A R !
Italy is closer than you think! Recognized as one of the best and most-awarded restaurants in Southwest Florida, Angelina’s Ristorante is known for professional service, delectable Italian food from its scratch kitchen, craft cocktails, and one of the area’s most extensive wine lists. Whether you choose to dine in our luxurious dining rooms or under the stars on our patio, your experience will be unmatched.
Make a reservation today! (239) 390-3187 | AngelinasofBonitaSprings.com | 24041 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
FINALIST S ARE LIST ED IN ALPH A B E TIC A L O R DE R
ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & SHOPPING
Naples’ Childrens’ Hair Salon and Spa Hair Services • Spa Services Mini Spa Packages Party Packages
ANTIQUE STORE COLLIER Winner Chesterdales Home & Garden Finalists The Rusty Spur Decor & More Treasure Island Antiques LEE Winner Gannon's Antiques & Art Center
CONSIGNMENT SHOP COLLIER Winner True Fashionistas Designer Consignment & Resale Finalists Audrey’s Of Naples PoshPlum – Furniture Consignment LEE Winner Ditto Consignment Boutique
Finalists Paradise Vintage Market Pickin’ Boots Vintage Market
Finalists The Talk of the Town Consignment What 2 Wear
ART GALLERY
EVENT VENUE
COLLIER Winner Emily James Art Gallery
COLLIER Winner Artis—Naples
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
(239) 631-5304 www.misslexisplace.com 7765 Preserve Lane Naples FL 34119 Unit 4
12 4
HOURS (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY) Monday: Closed Tuesday - Thursday: 10 am - 7 pm Friday - Saturday: 10 am - 8 pm Sunday: By Appointment Only GULFSHORE LIFE
Finalists Gardner Colby Gallery Harmon-Meek Gallery LEE Winner DAAS CO-OP Art Gallery Finalists Alliance for the Arts Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
Finalists Naples Lakes Country Club Sugden Community Theatre LEE Winner Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Finalists Edison & Ford Winter Estates Hertz Arena
g ulf shorelife.com
A AR RC CH H II T TE EC CT TU UR RE E JJ O OY YC CE E O OW WE EN NS S
ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE
INTERIORS INTERIORS
COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
2 3 9 . 3 6 2 .16 8 8 2 3 9 . 3 6 2 .16 8 8
STUDIOAJO.COM STUDIOAJO.COM
RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL
MODERN MODERN
TROPICAL TROPICAL
FINE JEWELRY COLLIER Winner Bigham Jewelers Finalists A. JARON Fine Jewelry Provident Jewelry LEE Winner Mark Loren Designs Finalists Diamond District Dunkin’s Diamonds
FLOWER SHOP COLLIER Winner Kaleidoscope Floral Finalists Driftwood Garden Center & Florist Gene's 5th Ave. Florist LEE Winner Fort Myers Florist Finalists Heaven Scent Florist The Petal Patch Florist
FURNITURE STORE COLLIER Winner Clive Daniel Home Finalists Alison Craig Home Furnishings Baer’s Furniture
LEE Winner Baer’s Furniture Finalists Matter Brothers Furniture & Mattress Norris Furniture & Interiors
KID’S APPAREL COLLIER Winner Beth Moné Children’s Shoppe Finalists Cottontails Children’s Boutique Giggle Moon LEE Winner Once Upon A Child Finalists Nanny’s of Sanibel Puddle Jumpers
KID’S BIRTHDAY VENUE COLLIER Winners InPlay! Family Fun Whiz Kidz Finalists Miss Lexi’s Place LEE Winner Sky Zone Trampoline Park
g ulf shorelife.com
LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA…
Build with Beattie!
PAUL BEATTIE, THE THE
BEST BEST
OF OFTHE THE GULFSHORE GULFSHORE 2021 2021
THE THE
BEST BEST OF OFTHE THE GULFSHORE GULFSHORE 2022 2022
President
Stop Dreaming…Start Living! Award-Winning Custom Home Builder & Remodeler. www.beattiedev.com | 239-766-4150
Kathy Bigham and the Bigham Team thank you for encouraging us. Your vote motivates us to do our best for you every single day! GRATEFULLY, KATHY BIGHAM AND THE BIGHAM TEAM
Thank you!
12 8
BIGHAM GALLERIA | 2425 Tamiami Trail | 239.434.2800 | BighamJewelers.com GULFSHORE LIFE
g ulf shorelife.com
Beautifying Landscapes Upgrading Environments
HIGH END LANDSCAPE & CONSTRUCTION SERVICE CONTRACTOR S E R V I N G L E E A N D C O L L I E R C O U N T I E S SERVICES
Landscape Construction Landscape Irrigation installation and maintenance Landscape Maintenance Landscape Lighting Lawn and Ornamental Pest Control Fertilization & Arbor care
BLUE OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS
Hardscape Installation Concrete Pavers and Natural Stone Synthetic Turf Fencing New Construction and Renovation
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
MEN’S APPAREL
Winner Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum
COLLIER Winner Paws Pet Boutique
Finalists Joseph Wendt Custom Clothiers Mondo Uomo
Finalists Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center
Finalists Posh Paws Wholesome Hound Natural Pet Market
LEE Winner Brodeur Carvell Fine Apparel
LEE Winner Edison & Ford Winter Estates
LEE Winner Scanlon Lexus of Fort Myers
Finalists Adventures In Paradise Man on First
Finalists BMW of Fort Myers Jaguar | Land Rover of Fort Myers
MUSEUM
Finalists Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum IMAG History & Science Center
Finalists DEFY The Wonder Gardens
LUXURY CAR DEALERSHIP COLLIER Winner Mercedes-Benz of Naples Finalists Germain Lexus of Naples Porsche Naples
COLLIER Winner John Craig Clothier
SPECIALTY PET STORE
COLLIER
LEE Winners Paw-Radise Pet Kingdom Finalists Island Paws Little Paws Bakery Perky Pets
Finalists Gulfshore Playhouse Sugden Community Theatre LEE Winner Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Finalists Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre Florida Repertory Theatre Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
WOMEN'S APPAREL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER COLLIER Winner Artis—Naples
COLLIER Winner Marissa Collections
AZURE POOL & DECK DESIGN
YOUR SWIMMING POOL & DECKING REMODELER
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BEST 239-301-4968 azurepoolanddeckdesign.com 20451 S. Tamiami Trail #4 Estero, FL 33928
OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
WINNER!
Arts Award Best Showroom Nationwide!
WINNER
of over 420 Awards in Design Excellence! SARASOTA, FL - COMING SOON 3055 FRUITVILLE COMMONS BLVD. 941.900.HOME (4663)
NAPLES,FL 2777 TAMIAMI TRAIL N 239.261.HOME (4663)
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AWARD-WINNING INTERIOR DESIGN | FINE FURNISHINGS | CLIVEDANIEL.COM
IB26001785
Finalists shecanlove The Secret Ingredient
Finalists Celebration Park Naples Silverspot Cinema
LEE Winner The Gypsy Outlaw
LEE Winner Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
Finalists Jennifer’s Stella Saint Boutique
Finalists HeadPinz Entertainment Center Hertz Arena
ATTRACTIONS ENTERTAINMENT CENTER COLLIER Winner Artis—Naples
FAMILY FUN ACTIVITY COLLIER Winner Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Finalists Glassblowing in the Garden by Conrad Williams Naples Botanical Garden LEE Winner Topgolf Finalists PopStroke The Wonder Gardens
HISTORICAL SITE COLLIER Winner Historic Palm Cottage
Finalists Naples Depot Museum Naples Pier LEE Winner Edison & Ford Winter Estates Finalists Koreshan State Park Mound House
HOTEL/RESORT COLLIER Winner The Ritz-Carlton, Naples Finalists LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort Naples Grande Beach Resort
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
Best French Restaurant ~ Best Overall Excellence ~ Best Special Occasion Dining Best Date Night ~ Best Wine List ~ Best Wine Store
LEE Winner Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
Finalists Luminary Hotel & Co. Tarpon Lodge
NATURE & WILDLIFE VIEWING COLLIER Winner Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Finalists Naples Botanical Garden Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
EAG
EC REEK Golf & Country Club
For the fifth year in a row the astute readers of Gulfshore Life have again chosen Eagle Creek a Naples finalist for Best Golf Course and Best Tennis Facility. We gratefully thank you . THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
2022 RANGE ROVER SPORT
BLAZE YOUR OWN TRAIL
In the 2022 Range Rover Sport, you don’t follow the crowd—you blaze your own trail. It’s hard not to with exceptional on-road performance and responsive driving dynamics. Muscular and perfectly proportioned, this confident vehicle boasts a refined yet athletic design that commands attention wherever you take it. Fast, refined and powerful performance could be yours. Experience the 2022 Range Rover Sport at Land Rover Fort Myers. Land Rover Fort Myers 15875 S. Tamiami Trail , Fort Myers, FL 33908 (888) 523-4915 LandRoverFtMyers.com
LEE Winner J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
LIVE FEST
Finalists Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve The Wonder Gardens
Finalists Cape Art Fest Oktoberfest
Finalists Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant The Wonder Gardens
SIGHTSEEING TOUR
OVERALL ATTRACTION
OUTDOOR FESTIVAL COLLIER Winner Art Fest Naples Finalists Cars on 5th
LEE Winner ArtFest Fort Myers
LEE Winner Edison & Ford Winter Estates
COLLIER Winner Naples Botanical Garden Finalists Glassblowing in the Garden by Conrad Williams Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Finalists Babcock Ranch Eco Tours Captiva Cruises
VACATION RENTAL COLLIER Winner The Holiday Life
COLLIER Winner Pure Florida
Finalists Naples Bay Resort & Marina Royal Shell Vacations
Finalists Naples Princess Naples Trolley Tours
LEE Winner VIVA La Casa
LEE Winner Edison & Ford Winter Estates
Finalists Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant Royal Shell Vacations
RECREATION & FITNESS BOATING DESTINATION COLLIER Winner Keewaydin Island Finalists Marco Island Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge LEE Winner Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant Finalists Cayo Costa State Park Sanibel Island
Thank you for your vote! 18 & UNDER
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The Tony-award winning TBA story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights. When a winning lottery ticket, a power outage, and romantic tension all hit the neighborhood, the long-time friends and neighbors make discoveries about each other, themselves, and the place they all call home.
The five-time Tony Award-nominated smash musical tells the story of a small-town girl, a city boy, and a rock ‘n’ roll romance on the Sunset Strip. Featuring all of your favorite ‘80s rock anthems including I Wanna Know What Love Is, Every Rose Has Its Thorn, Here I Go Again, Don’t Stop Believin’ and so many more!
Fly over the rainbow with Dorothy as she rides a twister into The Merry Old Land of Oz and learns that no matter how far our journeys take us, there’s no place like home. You’ll hear the songs from the delightful score such as Follow the Yellow Brick Road, Somewhere Over the Rainbow and We’re Off to See the Wizard.
THE
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Plan now
for a summer getaway, and take advantage of
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Summer getaway season is right around the corner. Spend a few days exploring the culture and charm of historic Downtown Fort Myers and the entertainment district. Enjoy a pedestrian friendly neighborhood, filled with activities like shopping, dining, live music, art galleries, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, IMAG History & Science Center, Florida Repertory Theatre, and so much more. Book your getaway now at LuminaryHotel.com, and use special offer code SUM, or call 855.838.8745.
Offer available May 1, 2022 to September 29, 2022 for hotel stays June 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022.
Luminary Hotel & Co. 2200 Edwards Dr. Fort Myers, FL 33901 The only AAA 4 Diamond Hotel in Fort Myers.
BOAT RENTAL
DAY CRUISE
FITNESS CENTER
GOLF COURSE
COLLIER Winner Pure Florida
COLLIER Winner Naples Princess
COLLIER Winner Vineyards Country Club
COLLIER Winner Eagle Creek Golf & Country Club
Finalists Freedom Boat Club Naples Bay Resort & Marina
Finalists Pure Florida Sweet Liberty Catamaran Sailing & Boat Tours
Finalists Burn Boot Camp NCH Wellness Center
Finalists Naples Lakes Country Club Tiburón Golf Club Vineyards Country Club
LEE Winner Salty Sam’s Marina Finalists Bay Water Boat Club Freedom Boat Club
LEE Winner Captiva Cruises Finalists Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant Key West Express
LEE Winner P-Fit Finalists Ionic Crossfit Planet Fitness
LEE Winner The Forest Country Club Finalists Fort Myers Country Club The Club at Gateway
SPECIALTY FITNESS STUDIO COLLIER Winner Pure Skill Fitness Finalists Club Pilates Eat The Frog Fitness LEE Winner Burn Bootcamp Finalists Dream Fit Ninja Pole Fitness
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
TENNIS FACILITY COLLIER Winner Eagle Creek Golf & Country Club Finalists Arthur L. Allen Tennis Center Vineyards Country Club LEE Winner The Forest Country Club Finalists Cypress Lake Country Club Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club
BEAUTY & WELLNESS DAY SPA COLLIER Winner The Woodhouse Day Spa Finalists The Spa at Naples Grande Beach Resort Spavia Day Spa LEE Winner Spada Salon & Day Spa
Finalists Beauty Ritual La-Te-Da Salon & Spa
EYEBROW SHAPING COLLIER Winner TB lashes.brows. beauty Finalists Brow Bitch iBrows & Beauty LEE Winner Beauty Ritual Finalists Hideout Boutique Marked Beauty & Co.
FACIAL
HAIR SALON
COLLIER Winner The Skin Room
COLLIER Winner The Beauty District
Finalists Skin Deep Naples The Woodhouse Day Spa
Finalists Manuka Salon Robert of Philadelphia Salon Simple Beauty Studio
LEE Winner Beauty Ritual Finalists Hideout Boutique Hedron Hill Esthetics
LEE Winner Studio RK Salon Finalists La-Te-Da Salon & Spa Red Salon & Spa
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
FLORIDA’S PREMIER DESTINATION FOR MEDICAL-GRADE SKIN TREATMENTS IN NAPLES AND THE SURROUNDING SOUTHWEST FLORIDA AREAS.
SERVICES: HYDRAFACIAL, MICRONEEDLING, CHEMICAL PEELS, FIBROBLAST, ENZYME THERAPY
7935 Airport-Pulling Rd Suite #208, Naples, FL 34109 | (239) 826-6094 | www.theskinroomusa.com @theskinroomnaples
Better Living Begins at Home Diane Torrisi Designs is a full-service design studio based in Bonita Springs, Florida specializing in luxury residential and commercial design. Diane will help you create a space where your vision, lifestyle and dreams are reflected the moment you step into your home.
INTERIOR DESIGN
239-595-3384 27313 Old 41 Rd Suite 3, Bonita Springs, Florida, 34135 info@dianetorrisidesigns.com
It’s more than design – it’s where life moments happen!
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Doc’s House Welcome to
239.463.0070 www.DocFords.com 708 Fisherman’s Wharf. Ft. Myers Beach Fl, 33931
“
Couldn’t have been more perfect! Very easy to work with, no hidden charges, it’s a naturally beautiful venue, and wait staff/bar staff were very friendly and accommodating.
”
Southwest Florida’s
Whether your celebration is small or grand, our chef and professional staff can assist you in creating the perfect menu for you and everyone in Doc’s House is our private banquet your party. room located on the waterfront at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille on Fort Myers Beach, which offers breathtaking views of Estero Bay in a tropical indoor and We invite you to share the spirit of outdoor setting. Southwest Florida, with a casual dining experience that brings This 2,400 square foot all-wood people closer together, only at catering facility accommodates 60 Doc’s House. seated guests inside and an additional THE 40 outside on our covered waterfront deck. For great views, enjoy our wallOF THE to-wall sliding glass doors that open up GULFSHORE 2022 across the entire room.
Best Waterfront Venue!
We Have You Covered
BEST
There’s a lot that goes into our name. Q As the leading developer and builder of luxury residences in Southwest Florida, the STOCK name has always been synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship and incomparable lifestyle. Whatever your dream, and wherever you want to live, we have a beautiful collection of places to call home throughout Florida.
Q We’re proud to introduce One Naples by Stock Residences, a magnificent resort
community at Vanderbilt Beach. Now accepting reservations.
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Q STOCK CUSTOM HOMES | STOCK LUXURY HOMES STOCK RESIDENCES | STOCK LUXURY APARTMENT LIVING
Q 2639 PROFESSIONAL CIRCLE | SUITE 101 NAPLES, FL 34119 | 239.592.7344
StockDevelopment.com FLStockDevelopment
StockDevelopment
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 AND COMMISSIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
INJECTABLES
MASSAGE
MED-SPA
NAIL SALON
COLLIER Winner Yag-Howard Dermatology Center
COLLIER Winner The Woodhouse Day Spa
COLLIER Winner Skin Deep Naples
COLLIER Winner Natural Nail Care Clinic
Finalists Naples Aesthetics & Wellness Institute The Laser Lounge Spa
Finalists Spavia Day Spa Synergy Health
LEE Winner Face It Botox Bar Finalists Advanced Aesthetic Solutions Hideout Boutique
LEE Winner Spada Salon & Day Spa Finalists La-Te-Da Salon & Spa Massage Envy
Finalists Simple Beauty Studio Tru Glō Medspa LEE Winner Face It Botox Bar Finalists Advanced Aesthetic Solutions Hideout Boutique
Waterfront dining at its best
Finalists Ave Nails Babi Nail & Spa LEE Winner ProFiles Finalists La-Te-Da Salon & Spa Tipsy Nail Bar
PERMANENT MAKEUP COLLIER Winner Bare Face Beauty Naples Finalists Evolution Beauty Naples Aesthetics & Wellness Institute TB lashes.brows.beauty LEE Winner Hideout Boutique Finalists Advanced Aesthetic Solutions Symmetrical Beauty
Nominated for Best Boat Access Restaurant
When you want the best waterfront dining in Naples, The Dock is the place to be. Enjoy Sunday brunch or dinner in our open-air dining room or on our beautiful Cove Terrace. Whether you come by boat or by land, you’ll always enjoy great views, great food, and great fun. Nominated for Best Bloody Mary
Experience Naples’ original waterfront restaurant today (239) 263-9940 • DockCraytonCove.com • 845 12th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM COLLIER Winner New Journey Weight Loss & Wellness Finalists Cederquist Medical Wellness Center Nuviva Medical Weight Loss Clinic LEE Winner Nuviva Medical Weight Loss Clinic
Finalists Exert Clinic P-Fit
HOME SERVICES ARCHITECTURE COLLIER Winner MHK Architecture & Planning Finalists Kukk Architecture & Design Stofft Cooney Architects LEE Winner Architecture Joyce Owens
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
Finalists Schenke|Shultz Architecture Studio+
Finalists Beattie Development Green Mountain Builders
Finalists Benson & Associates Interior Design Gulfshore Interior Design
BUILDER
INTERIOR DESIGN
KITCHEN DESIGN
COLLIER Winner Clive Daniel Home
COLLIER Winner Cornerstone Builders of Southwest Florida
Finalists Harper Haus Interiors LVD Spaces
Finalists KGT Remodeling Kitchen Designs by Clay
COLLIER Winner PBS Contractors Finalists BCB Homes STOCK Development LEE Winner Alair Homes
LEE Winner Diane Torrisi Designs
LEE Winner Cartwright & Sons Finalists Cabinet Genies Cornerstone Builder
CHEERS!BEST! THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE
BEST BARTENDERS
BEST
BEST CRAFT BREWERY
BEST BEER LIST
THE
OF THERE O GULFSH 2022
ALWAYS THE WINNER FOR BEST CUSTOMERS!
LOCATED IN GATEWAY 12811 COMMERCE LAKES DRIVE, SUITE 28, FORT MYERS • 239.313.6576 • FMBREW.COM
Delight in Dining Thank you for voting for us as a finalist in the Best Seafood, Best Happy Hour, and Best Dessert categories of the 2022 Best of Gulfshore list. It is our pleasure to provide every guest with an unforgettable experience featuring our exquisite, sustainably sourced seafood creations. We are your destination for the ocean’s finest. YOUR TABLE IS WAITING.
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
Truluck’s Naples | 698 4th Ave., South Naples, FL 34102 | 239.530.3131 | www.trulucks.com
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
POOL DESIGN
COLLIER Winner Architectural Land Design
COLLIER Winner Nassau Pools Construction
Finalists Blue Landscape Contracting Group Driftwood Garden Center & Florist
Finalists Pinnacle USA Suncoast Custom Pools
LEE Winner R.S. Walsh Landscaping Finalists Danny Yates Landscape Nursery Nature's Blueprint of Southwest Florida VIVA Landscapes
LEE Winner Azure Pool & Deck Design Finalists Custom Pools by Design Superior Pools of Southwest Florida
SERVICES
CHILD CARE
BANKING
COLLIER Winner Night Nannies of Naples
COLLIER Winner FineMark National Bank & Trust Finalists First Foundation Bank Suncoast Credit Union LEE Winner Suncoast Credit Union Finalists FineMark National Bank & Trust Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
Finalists Livingston Academy Naples Babysitting Company LEE Winner Bobbie Noonan's Child Care Finalists Connection Point Early Learning Center Wellington Academy World Championship Taekwondo
LUXURY CAR REPAIR COLLIER Winner Fitzgerald Body Tech Finalists Mercedes-Benz of Naples Supreme Collision LEE Winner Lexpert Automotive Finalists Hunt Automotive Terry Wynter Auto Service Center
PET RESORT COLLIER Winner Ruffgers Dog University
Finalists Let Me Be Candid Photography Rochelle Shucart Photography
Finalists Pet Paradise Pampered Pet Resorts
LEE Winner Real Tours
LEE Winner Pet Paradise
Finalists Jesi Cason Photography Kelley Marie Photography
Finalists All American Pet Resorts Your K9s Come First
PRIVATE SCHOOL
PHOTOGRAPHER
COLLIER Winner Community School of Naples
COLLIER Winner Photo Studio Naples
Finalists Seacrest Country Day School St. Ann Catholic School
Finalists MAD Travel Preferred Travel of Naples
LEE Winner Canterbury School
LEE Winner Concierge Cruises
Finalists Bishop Verot Catholic High School Fort Myers Christian School
Finalists Amy Norton Marvelous Mouse Travels Cruise Everything
TRAVEL AGENCY COLLIER Winner Martha Good Luxury Travel
Finalists Industry Beer & Barbeque Michelbob's Championship Ribs & Steaks LEE Winner Rib City Finalists BIG8 BBQ Smoke’n Pit Bar B Que
FOOD & DRINK: CUISINE
FARM-TO-TABLE
BARBECUE
COLLIER Winner Seed to Table
COLLIER Winner FUSE Gastrobar
Supoorted by
Finalists Lake Park Diner The Local
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30-5pm THE
BEST
(239) 410-5246
OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
www.harperhausinteriors.com
MORE THAN JUST BOWLING… 3 times Winner of “BEST OF THE GULFSHORE”
LA SE R TAG
TO P QU AL IT Y DI NI NG
G AM E ZO N ES
THE THE
BEST BEST THE OFOF THE GULFSHORE GULFSHORE 2021 2022
WWW.HEADPINZ.COM
NAPLES | FT. MYERS | CAPE CORAL
Whatever The Reason, WE’VE GOT YOUR GIFT! Fresh Flowers Daily | Professional Designers Tropical Orchids & Plants | Tuxedo Rental Delivery & Shipping Service Downtown Gift Boutique Featuring New Local Artists
Unique Boutique Gifts
Jewelry, Clothing, Home Decor, Candles, Art
27515 Old 41 Road | Bonita Springs
www.HeavenScentBonita.com (239) 992-LOVE (5683)
Join us for a hand-dipped ice cream! 36 flavors, perfect for a thick creamy shake, old-fashioned malt or soda, cone, banana split or Super Sundae!
Thank you, Gulfshore Life Readers, for Voting Us a 2022 "Best of The Gulfshore" Finalist!
For hours and to pre-purchase timed-entry tickets, please visit our website at HMCEC.org or call 239-263-9200. Holocaust Museum and Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., Ste 108, Naples, FL 34110 AGENDA
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
15 5
LEE Winner Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm Finalists Artisan Eatery Buckingham Farms
LEE Winner Azure
Finalists Nomiki’s Plakka Plaka
Finalists BLANC Ma Petite Creperie
HEALTHY/ORGANIC
FRENCH
GREEK/MIDDLE EASTERN
COLLIER Winner Bleu Provence
COLLIER Winner Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro
Finalists La Colmar Bakery & Bistro The French Brasserie Rustique
Finalists Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen Mediterrano LEE Winner The Greek Spot
COLLIER Winner Food & Thought Finalists Lake Park Diner Organically Twisted LEE Winner Green Cup Café Finalists Ada’s Natural Market Café YOU
INDIAN COLLIER Winner 21 Spices by Chef Asif Finalists I Love Curry Le Indya Naples LEE Winner Masala Mantra Finalists India Grill Spice Club
Finalists Campiello Molto Trattoria LEE Winner Angelina’s Ristorante Finalists CIBO Two Meatballs In The Kitchen
JAPANESE
ITALIAN
COLLIER Winner NAMBA Ramen & Sushi
COLLIER Winner Osteria Tulia
Finalists Ninja Steak & Sushi Bar Sushi One
NAPLES’ FIRST Farm & Sea-to-Table RESTAURANT KETO * PLANT-BASED ORGANIC * VEGAN VEGETARIAN * DAIRY-FREE OPTIONS
THE THE
BEST BEST THE OFOF THE GULFSHORE GULFSHORE 2021 2022
OPEN FOR LUNCH, HAPPY HOUR, DINNER + WEEKEND BRUNCH ONLINE ORDERING AVAILABLE
Congratulations for being selected as a finalist in the Best of Gulfshore!
SOURCED LOCALLY
15 6
IMPASSIONED BY SUSTAINABILITY
5323 Airport-Pulling Rd, Naples * (239) 596-FARM * www.TheLocalNaples.com GULFSHORE LIFE g ulf shorelife.com
Gutter Credit
Inspired by the Season
CREATING SPACES
THAT ARE MEANT TO BE
LIVED IN AND LOVED
LVD SPACES is a full-service interior design firm for residential and commercial spaces. We specialize in planning and creating every aspect of your space.
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
We appreciate you, Naples Voters!
612.964.5026 | danimarie@lvdspaces.com | www.lvdspaces.com
Life’s Short, Eat Dessert First!
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
Follow Us: mmscafe royalscoopberkshire royalscoopberkshire mmscafe
Royal Scoop at Berkshire Commons
M & M’s Cafe at Tin City
(239) 231-4544 www.royalscoop.com
(239) 261-5317 www.cafemnm.com AGENDA
7335 Radio Rd., Unit 104, Naples, FL 34104
1200 5th Ave S., Unit 122, Naples, FL 34102
15 7
Thank You FOR VOTING US
BEST ! THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
DESIGNER
l
JEWELER
l
marklorendesigns.com
GOLDSMITH
13351 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL l (239) 482-4664
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
YOUR GRANDE BEACH ESCAPE AWAITS
Gutter Credit
474 guestrooms & suites with 83,000 sqft of flexible meeting space Miles of white sugar sand beaches & three resort pools Full service luxury spa, 15 har-tru clay tennis courts, private championship golf course 7 on-property decadent dining options & bars including The Catch of the Pelican Restaurant and infamous Sunday "A La Kitchen" Brunch with the largest bloody-mary bar in SWFL with over 48,000 topping combinations
15 8
GULFSHORE LIFE 475 Seagate Drive
|
www.naplesgrande.com
|
(239) 597-3232g ulf shorelife.com
AGENDA
15 9
LEE Winners DaRuMa Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Lounge MAKS Asian Kitchen & Sushi Finalists Osaka Japanese Steakhouse
LATIN/SPANISH COLLIER Winner Lamoraga Finalists Bodega Olé Fernandez the Bull
Finalists Lobster Lady Seafood Market Tarpon Lodge
LEE Winner El Gaucho Inca Finalists Cantina Laredo Gandules Grill King’s Kitchen
THAI COLLIER Winner Sushi-Thai
SEAFOOD
Finalists Em-On’s Thai Cafe Komoon Thai Sushi & Ceviche
COLLIER Winner USS Nemo Finalists Sails Restaurant Swan River Seafood Truluck’s
LEE Winner Bangkok Thai
LEE Winner Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House
Finalists Siam Hut Sushi Thai Too
FOOD & DRINK: FOOD ITEM BAGELS COLLIER Winner Brooklyn Dough With A Hole Finalists Empire Bagel Factory Straight From New York Bagels LEE Winner Stuff A Bagel Finalists Fresh Bagels & More The Bagel Factory
BAKERY COLLIER Winner La Colmar Bakery & Bistro Finalists Angelic Desserts Epiphany Gluten Free Bakery LEE Winner Norman Love Confections Finalists EuropeanAmerican Bakery Café LadyCakes Bakery
LOVE is the BEST AGAIN THANK YOU for selecting Norman
THE
Gutter Credit
Love Confections as your best choice BEST OF THE GULFSHORE yet again! We are honored to be 2022 voted BEST Chocolate Shop in Fort Myers and Naples and Best Gelato and Bakery in Fort Myers. We greatly appreciate all our customers for your loyal patronage over the past 20 years!
NORMANLOVECONFECTIONS.COM
16 0
GULFSHORE LIFE
NAPLES | FORT MYERS | MCGREGOR MIROMAR OUTLETS | WHOLE FOODS | SARASOTA g ulf shorelife.com
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
Thank you for choosing us as one of Southwest Florida’s best banks. We’re here because of you.
THE THE
BEST BEST THE OFOF THE GULFSHORE GULFSHORE 2021 2022
NMLS #411904
239-472-6100 | SanCapBank.com AGENDA
161
Hair coloring | Hair styling | Hair cutting
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
Botox | Fillers | Laser Hair Removal | IPL Microneedling | PRP | Facials Brows & MORE!
Best
MEDICAL SPA AND HAIR SALON
featuring
BEST HAIR STYLIST KIM SAPUTO simplebeautystudio.com 239-431-5339
Gutter Credit
1514 Immokalee Rd. Units 111 & 112 Naples, FL 34110
16 2
GULFSHORE LIFE
g ulf shorelife.com
James Beard Foundation, Best Chefs in America, Nominee
Four Time Award Winner
1 6 2 5 Pe r i w i n k l e Wa y
|
Sanibel, FL 33957 (239) 472 – 1956
|
sweetmelissascafe.com
THE
BEST
|
Call for Reservations!
★★★★✩
Photo courtesy of Maxwell Mackenzie
Yelp / TripAdvisor
OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
Photos: Maxwell MacKenzie, Jonathon Hunt
WE’RE HONORED ONCE AGAIN
To be named a finalist in the “Best of the Gulfshore” categories: BEST HOTEL/RESORT • BEST SEAFOOD • BEST BUSINESS LUNCH • BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT
TARPONLODGE.COM 13771 WATERFRONT DR PINE ISLAND, FL 239-283-3999
COME BY CAR AGE N D A OR BOAT: N 26.39.562 W 82.9.180
16 3
BREAKFAST COLLIER Winner Skillets Finalists Jane’s Cafe on 3rd The Rooster Food + Drink LEE Winner House of Omelets Finalists Keke’s Breakfast Café Skillets
BRUNCH COLLIER Winner Jane’s Cafe on 3rd
Finalists Sails Restaurant Three60 Market
LEE Winner Ford’s Garage
LEE Winner CRaVE Restaurant
Finalists Fat Katz Sports Bistro Lehne Burger
Finalists 10 Twenty Five Skinny Dogz Brunchery
CHICKEN WINGS
BURGER COLLIER Winner Brooks Burger Finalists Jimmy P’s Lake Park Diner
COLLIER Winner LowBrow Pizza & Beer Finalists Bowland Beacon Foxboro Sports Tavern LEE Winner Hogbody’s Bar & Grill
Finalists Buckett’s Wings & More Buffalo Chips
Finalists Divine Donuts Duck Donuts Trackside Donuts & Café
DOUGHNUTS
MEAT MARKET
COLLIER Winner Duck Donuts
COLLIER Winner Jimmy P’s
Finalists D’Amico’s The Continental Peace Love & Little Donuts
Finalists Seed to Table Wynn’s Market
LEE Winner Bennett’s Fresh Roast
LEE Winner Mario’s Italian Meat Market
Don't just shine...
_ Glo
LASER SKIN REJUVENATION COOLSCULPTING SCITON BBL HERO & MOXI HYDRAFACIAL MD INJECTABLES AND DERMAL FILLERS SECRET RF MICRONEEDLING PERMANENT MAKEUP MEDICAL GRADE FACIALS LASER HAIR REMOVAL CHEMICAL PEELS MASSAGE THERAPY Medical Directors: Diane Brzezinski, D.O. and Paul Gardner, MD THE
BEST Gutter Credit
Thanks for voting us “THE BEST OF THE GULFSHORE”
OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
239.919.7009 | 1250 ROAD, UNIT 101B, NAPLES, FLORIDA 34108 | TRUGLOMEDSPA.COM G U L F SPINE H O R E L RIDGE IFE g ulf shorelife.com
16 4
Welcome to Vineyards Country Club REIMAGINING YOUR PRIVATE CLUB EXPERIENCE
Located in spectacular Naples, Florida, Vineyards Country Club is one of this city’s most unique and remarkable places. Take this opportunity to learn more about this landmark destination, which serves as a home away from home for those seeking authentic connections in an environment of unsurpassed reputation and quality. Our door is always open to those who appreciate the best of everything and want to belong to a true legacy!
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
400 Vineyards Blvd, Naples, FL 34119 | (239) 353-1500 | www. vineyardscountryclubnaples.com
Experience newfound confidence with a treatment plan designed just for you. In the hands of an artist… • Fillers • Toxins • Lasers
• MedSpa • Veins • VIP Program
Sout Thank yo h votin west Flo u g for r Cosm Yag- ida for How etic ard De in Be st In rmatolog jecta bles y !
Yag-Howard Cosmetic Dermatology Call (239) 529-DERM (3376) | yhderm.com 1000 Goodlette Road North #100 Naples, FL 34102 Cyndi Yag-Howard, MD, FAAD AGENDA
16 5
Finalists Jimmy P’s Paesano’s Italian Fresh Market
Finalists Fine Folk Pizza Nice Guys Pizza & Beer Rosati’s Pizza
PIZZA
RAW BAR
COLLIER Winner The Crust Pizza
COLLIER Winner The Claw Bar
Finalists LowBrow Pizza & Beer Napoli On The Bay
Finalists Captain & Krewe Seafood Market & Raw Bar The Bay House
LEE Winner Downtown House of Pizza
LEE Winner Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill
Finalists Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill Coldwater Oyster Market
SALAD COLLIER Winner FUSE Gastrobar Finalists Lake Park Diner Seed to Table
SANDWICH
STEAK
COLLIER Winner Larry’s Lunchbox
COLLIER Winner Jimmy P’s
Finalists FUSE Gastrobar Lake Park Diner
Finalists Chops City Grill D’Amico’s The Continental
LEE Winner Wally’s Deli Finalists Artisan Eatery Jason’s Deli
LEE Winner Jason’s Deli
LEE Winner Connors Steak & Seafood Finalists Chops City Grill Jimmy P’s
Finalists Artisan Eatery Green Cup Café
THE
THE BEST OF BEST the OF THE GULFSHORE GULFSHORE 2022
2017
Thank you for voting Bishop Verot Catholic High School the best high school in southwest Florida!
you for your vote! Thank
We’re honored to be recognized as a finalist for BEST Sightseeing Tour and BEST Day Cruise in Lee County!
5598 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919 239.274.6700 | www.bvhs.org
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
CaptivaCruises.com 239-472-5300 Departing from two locations: McCarthy’s Marina and South Seas Island Resort
TACOS COLLIER Winner Tacos & Tequila Cantina Finalists Taqueria San Julian Turco Taco LEE Winner Tacos & Tequila Cantina Finalists Death by Taco Taqueria San Julian
FOOD & DRINK: DINING AMENITIES BOAT ACCESS RESTAURANT COLLIER Winner The Dock at Crayton Cove
Finalists Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
BUSINESS LUNCH COLLIER Winner FUSE Gastrobar
Finalists Connors Steak & Seafood Cristof’s on McGregor
CATERER
COLLIER Winner Bleu Provence
COLLIER Winner Crave Culinaire
Finalists Alexander’s Restaurant Sails Restaurant
Finalists Chef Global’s Kitchen Quality Thyme Meals
LEE Winner The Veranda Finalists Angelina’s Ristorante Tarpon Lodge
Finalists Island Gypsy Cafe & Marina Bar Snook Inn
Finalists Alexander’s Restaurant Osteria Tulia USS Nemo
LEE Winner G3 Catering
LEE Winner The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill
LEE Winner Tarpon Lodge
Finalists Crave Culinaire Jamie’s Cuisine
Celebrating Celebrating 40 40 Years Years of of Excellence Excellence
www.communityschoolnaples.org | 13275 Livingston Rd., Naples, FL 34109 www.communityschoolnaples.org | 13275 Livingston Rd., Naples, FL 34109
DATE-NIGHT RESTAURANT
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT COLLIER Winner Lake Park Diner
FOOD TRUCK
HAPPY HOUR
COLLIER Winner Chef Global’s Kitchen
COLLIER Winner Bar Tulia
Finalists Mel’s Diner Pinchers
Finalists I Love Curry Organically Twisted
LEE Winner Mel’s Diner
LEE Winner Death by Taco
Finalists Artisan Eatery Two Meatballs In The Kitchen
Finalists Ma Petite Creperie Wicked Streatery
Finalists Aqua Truluck’s
LEE Winner Nice Guys Pizza & Beer
A
R
LIVE MUSIC COLLIER Winner Seed to Table
COLLIER Winner Bar Tulia
DRIFT G
Finalists Downtown House of Pizza Nevermind Awesome Bar & The Hop Rusty's Raw Bar & Grill
LATE-NIGHT DINNING
BEST-KEPT SECRET RESTAURANT
SOLUTION
Finalists Alexander’s Restaurant FUSE Gastrobar
Finalists Artisan Eatery Harold’s
Finalists Two Meatballs In The Kitchen
360° FITNESS
Finalists La Trattoria Midnight Tavern
LEE Winner Tarpon Lodge
LEE Winners Angelina’s Ristorante Rusty's Raw Bar & Grill
WE ARE YOUR
COLLIER Winner I Love Curry
D
E
N
WOOD
C
E
N
T
E
Bringing Color, Vibrance and Smiles to Southwest Florida for over 35 Years Come Experience the Difference at DRIFTWOOD
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
At Dream Fit, we are here to motivate you to make a change. We believe a strong
THE THE
BEST BEST OFOF THE THE GULFSHORE GULFSHORE 2021 2022
community is vital to our mission to change your life, so we lift each other up. And we approach our mission with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Now is the time to make the change you’ve dreamed about. We believe in fitness; we believe in you.
8646 Gladiolus Drive, Unit 402, Fort Myers, FL 33908
239-236-1618
WWW.DREAMFITFL.COM
R
Nursery • Florist • Landscaping • Water Gardening • Pottery
NAPLES 5051 Tamiami Trail N. (239) 261-0328 ESTERO 20071 S. Tamiami Trail (239) 947-9676
DRIFTWOODGARDENCENTER.COM
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
3 5 9 B R O A D AV E N U E S NAPLES, FL 34102 (239) 403- 7787 G A R D N E R C O L B Y G A L L E RY. C O M
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
1412 DEAN ST SUITE 100, FORT MYERS, FL 33901 MON-THUR 9AM-6PM AND FRI-SUN 9AM-9PM (239) 200-8679 | WWW.GREENCUPCAFE.COM
Finalists Celebration Park The London Club
Finalists Del Mar Nosh on Naples Bay
LEE Winner Angelina’s Ristorante
LEE Winner Dixie Roadhouse
LEE Winner Coldwater Oyster Market
Finalists Tarpon Lodge The Veranda
Finalists Coldwater Oyster Market Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill
Finalists Oxbow Bar & Grill Whiskey Creek Station
PLACE TO WATCH A GAME
NEW RESTAURANT COLLIER Winner Bar Tulia Mercato
COLLIER Winner Foxboro Sports Tavern
OVERALL EXCELLENCE RESTAURANT
Finalists Boston Beer Garden Tavern On The Bay
COLLIER Winner Bleu Provence Finalists Alexander’s Restaurant Sails Restaurant
THE THE
BEST BEST THE OFOF THE GULFSHORE GULFSHORE 2021 2022
LEE Winner Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill
Finalists Overtime Pizzeria & Sports Pub RonDao’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar
Finalists DeRomo’s Gourmet Market Paesano’s Italian Fresh Market
SPECIALTY MARKET
SPECIAL OCCASION RESTAURANT
COLLIER Winner Seed to Table
COLLIER Winner Sails Restaurant
Finalists Ambrosi & Sons Wynn’s Market
Finalists Bleu Provence FUSE Gastrobar
LEE Winner Mario’s Italian Meat Market
LEE Winner The Veranda Finalists Angelina’s Ristorante Tarpon Lodge
THANK YOU!
For Voting!
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
2924 Del Prado Blvd S, Unit 7, Cape Coral, FL 33904 239-549-CAKE - www.iloveladycakes.com
ORDER ONLINE: TheLakeParkDiner.com
BEST FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT THE
BEST
“WHEN YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES US, YOU TRAVEL BETTER.” — OUR PROMISE TO YOU!
OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
THANK YOU to our guests for nominating us “Best of” the Gulfshore 2022!
BEST SALAD • BEST SANDWICH • FARM TO TABLE • HEALTHY / ORGANIC
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
Lee McCarthy President
944 7 TH AVE N, NAPLES, FL 34102 | 239-228-6351
36 NINTH STREET SOUTH SUITE 3 NAPLES, FL 34102 (239) 263-4433 MADTRAVEL.COM A G E N D A
17 1
WINE SHOP
COLLIER Winner The Turtle Club
COLLIER Winner Three60 Market
Finalists BALEEN Gumbo Limbo
Finalists Bleu Provence Natural Wines Naples
LEE Winner Tarpon Lodge
LEE Winner Palace Pub & Wine Bar
Finalists Fresh Catch Bistro The Mucky Duck
Finalists Golden Rind Cheese & Wine The Wine Room
FOOD & DRINK: DRINKS & DESSERT
Finalists Angelina’s Ristorante Fort Myers Brewing Co.
ESTABLISHMENT WITH BEST BARTENDERS
BEER LIST
COLLIER Winner FUSE Gastrobar Finalists Bar Tulia Oil Well Craft Beer LEE Winner Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
CONCIERGE TRAVEL PLANNING SERVICES mar thagood.com 717.208.0025
BLOODY MARY COLLIER Winner FUSE Gastrobar Finalists The Dock at Crayton Cove The French Brasserie Rustique
COLLIER Winner Oil Well Craft Beer Finalists Industry Beer & Barbeque Oak & Stone LEE Winner Fort Myers Brewing Co. Finalists Coldwater Oyster Market Nice Guys Pizza & BeerWorld of Beer
LEE Winner Cork Soakers Deck & Wine Bar Finalists Lobster Lady Seafood Market Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill
$1599
$1599
$899
$1199
$2199 Gutter Credit
SUNSET VIEW RESTAURANT
Naples Golden Gate Bonita Springs Ft. Myers Cape Coral 643-9898 455-4242 949-3080 275-7850 242-0218
Tour Historic Palm Cottage™
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places Naples oldest house awaits you! Built in 1895, Historic Palm Cottage is a 3,500 square foot museum that makes history come alive. Docent- or self-guided tours* are available Tuesday – Saturday from 12 to 4pm. Walk-ins welcome, but make a reservation to secure your spot!
WWW.SEACREST.ORG
EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION
www.NaplesHistoricalSociety.org
SINCE 1983
137 12th Avenue South, 34102 just east of the Naples Pier 239-261-8164 *Pamphlets in five languages!
Experiencing the the Thank you you for for Experiencing Thank Experiencing the Thank you for Thank you for Experiencing the us Spada Effect & voting voting us Spada Effect & Spada Effect & voting us BEST Spada Effect & voting usGulfshore Best of the of the Gulfshore of the Gulfshore Best ofBest theBest Gulfshore THE
OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
AVEDA HAIR ARTISTRY NAIL TREATMENTS
Aveda & L’Oréal Hair Artistry FACIALS Aveda L’Oréal Hair• Artistry Nail&Treatments Facials Aveda &FACE L’Oréal Artistry & Hair BODY WAXING NailFace Treatments • Facials Waxing Nail Treatments&•Body Facials Face & Body Waxing BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT Brazilian Blowout Face & Body Waxing Brazilian Blowout MASSAGE THERAPY MassageBlowout Therapy (#MM22919) Brazilian Massage Therapy (#MM22919) Massage (#MM22919) Therapy (#MM22919)
Open 7 days a week Open 7 days a week Open 7 days a week OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
239.482.1858 • SpadaSpa.com 239.482.1858 • SpadaSpa.com 239.482.1858 • SpadaSpa.com
239.482.1858 • SpadaSpa.com AGENDA
17 3
CRAFT BREWERY
CRAFT COCKTAILS
COFFEE SHOP
CHOCOLATE SHOP
COLLIER Winner Oil Well Craft Beer
COLLIER Winner Bar Tulia
COLLIER Winner Narrative Coffee Roasters
COLLIER Winner Norman Love Confections
COLLIER Winner Kilwins
Finalists Ankrolab Brewing Co. Riptide Brewing Co.
Finalists FUSE Gastrobar The Vine Room
LEE Winner Fort Myers Brewing Co.
LEE Winner Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge
Finalists Bad Ass Coffee Kunjani Craft Coffee & Gallery
Finalists Kilwins Olde Naples Chocolate
Finalists Royal Scoop Scoops Ice Cream & Acai Bowls
LEE Winner Chocolattés Coffee & Roasting
LEE Winner Norman Love Confections
LEE Winner Love Boat
Finalists Shift Coffee Bar Urban Buzz Coffee
Finalists CW Fudge Factory Gulf Coast Fudge Co. Noela Chocolate & Confections
Finalists Millennial Brewing Co. Point Ybel Brewing Co.
Finalists Jungle Bird Tiki Nice Guys Pizza & Beer
ICE CREAM (YOGURT, GELATO, ETC.)
Finalists Norman Love Confections Sylwia’s
You’ll Come Back Again & Again for our
Succulent Seafood
Voted #1 Island Dining & Best Keylime Pie. Plus, Wine Spectator Award 13 Years in a Row!
Open Daily 8AM – 10PM 1509 Andy Rosse Ln. Captiva Island, FL
Gutter Credit
Live Entertainment Daily Sunday Jazz Brunch Walking Distance to the Beach
RestaurantsOnCaptiva.com 174
GULFSHORE LIFE
g ulf shorelife.com
Celebrating 26 Years of Success & Customer Satisfaction
THANK YOU
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
GULFSHORE FOR CHOOSING
CAR CARE YOU CAN TRUST THE BEST BANK IS A CREDIT UNION When it comes to your finances, you deserve the very best. Suncoast delivers and members agree!
“Service so dependable, I stand behind it with my name.”
With our low rates, high returns, and more free services, Suncoast makes banking simple. Visit suncoastcreditunion.com to start living your best financial life.
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
Whether it’s your business fleet or family car, Terry Wynter Auto Service Center has provided service you can trust since 1996.
Thank you for nominating us! (239) 939-2500
www.TerryWynterAuto.com
Federally insured by NCUA
3811 Fowler Street, Fort Myers • Just north of Fowler & Winkler THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
Thank you for your voTe! a juried selection of fine art and fine craft
5 239 689 450
Order Online
751 tarpon bay rd. sanibel, fl 33957 239-472-4557 | towergallery.net
tm wallysdelifor
8024 alico rd
Follow Us
Open 7am - 4pm daily
AGENDA
yers.com
33912
l Fort myers, F
tmyers
@ wallysdelifor
17 5
DESSERT (RESTAURANT) COLLIER Winner FUSE Gastrobar Finalists Sails Restaurant Truluck’s LEE Winner Bubble Room Finalists Angelina’s Ristorante Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge
JUICE BAR
KEY LIME PIE
MARTINI
WINE LIST
COLLIER Winner Juicelation
COLLIER Winner Tony’s Off Third
COLLIER Winner FUSE Gastrobar
COLLIER Winner Bleu Provence
Finalists Blue Martini Sails Restaurant
Finalists Sails Restaurant The Cave Bistro & Wine Bar
Finalists Clean Juice Food & Thought LEE Winner Ada's Natural Market Finalists Green Cup Café Living Vine Organic Café
Finalists D’Amico’s The Continental Deep Lagoon Seafood and Oyster House Swan River Seafood LEE Winner Keylime Bistro
LEE Winner Angelina’s Ristorante Finalists Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge Fresh Catch Bistro
Finalists Sweet Melissa’s Café Tarpon Lodge
BOBBIE NOONAN’S C H I LD C A R E
THAnK You For Your VoTe! THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
THE
OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
WE ARE A FULL SERVICE TRAVEL AGENCY!
PACK & GO!
Academic Pre-School • Summer Camp Program 13 Months through Pre-K Modified Montessori Program • Reading, Math, Science, Computer • A place to come to be liked and encouraged
BEST
Finalists El Gaucho Inca Palace Pub & Wine Bar
CONCIERGE CRUISES
NOW REGISTERING FOR 2022-2023 VISIT & OBSERVE PROFESSIONAL QUALITY CHILD CARE OPEN DOOR POLICY FOR PARENTS OFFERING VOLUNTARY PRE-K PROGRAM
LEE Winner Angelina’s Ristorante
Our Travel Agents Handle Every Detail!
TOURS • LAND PACKAGES • CRUISES
239.772 .18 4 0
ConciergeCruises@yahoo.com ConciergeCruises.biz
INFANT CARE THROUGH PRE-K AT OUR CAPE CORAL PARKWAY LOCATION!
www.bobbienoonans.com
Bell Tower | CenTer CourT 13499 S. Cleveland Ave #185, Fort Myers, FL 33907 8560 Crystal Ct. Fort Myers
1217 Cape Coral Pkwy W Cape Coral
3528 SW 3rd Ave Cape Coral
(239) 939-2255 (239) 945-3366 (239) 945-7001 Lic. #C20LE7647 176
Lic. #C20LE6296
Lic. #C08LE6745 GULFSHORE LIFE
(239) 931-4000 | www.brodeurcarvell.com FINE MEN’S APPAREL | CUSTOM CLOTHING BUSINESS | CASUAL | FORMAL g ulf shorelife.com
GREEK
SPOT
GYROS & GRILL
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
AUTHENTIC GREEK FOOD EXPERIENCE VOTED BEST OF CAPE 2021 BEST NEW RESTAURANT AND BEST GYROS 1239 Cape Coral Pkwy E Cape Coral FL 33904 LOCATED IN THE BIG JOHN PLAZA
239-471-7332 www.greekspot239.com Free Baklava with Purchase
SERIOUS ABOUT PIZZA & BEER... AND NOT MUCH ELSE.
THE
BEST
THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
A new-age, highly engaging approach to babysitting
OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
CRAFT PIZZA-LOCAL BEER-LAID BACK
A LOCAL MADE JOINT
LIVE MUSIC FRIDAY & SATURDAY EVENINGS THE
BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022
3148 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34112
(239) 529-6919
www.lowbrowpizzaandbeer.com
(239) 682-0246 NaplesBabysittingCompany.com
AGENDA
17 7
SUBLIME STYLE
FANTASTIC FLAVORS
PLAYFUL PURSUITS
Visit our website for the most up-to-date calendar of events.
PromenadeShops.com
26795–26851 South Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
NO _ 5 1 9
0 5 _ 2 0 2 2
BEST OF HOME + DESIGN
Dan Cutrona
p _ 18 0
180
A rchitectural Shif t: Naples’ Elemental Design
188
Designer to Know: Alexis Limb
196
Condo Living: T he Next Wa ve
ARCHITECTURAL SHIFT
IN HIS ELEMENT
BEST OF
Danny Garcia shakes up Naples’ design landscape with his signature elemental homes.
Danny Garcia didn’t set out to com-
By the time Garcia’s home was
pletely disrupt residential archi-
complete, people around town were
tecture in Southwest Florida. The
already talking. After all, the poured
Naples-based architectural engineer
concrete walls, floor-to-ceiling glass
swears it was all a happy accident—
curtain windows, soaring 25-foot
but then again, he’s not making any
ceilings and industrial-chic finishes
apologies. The one-person move-
stood out among the transitional
ment began innocently enough
new builds around town. With his
when one of the commercial projects
design, Garcia set out to create a
he was working on in Colorado got
unique architectural style for Naples,
scrapped, and someone offered him
founded on the use of raw materials.
the unused steel. While most people
His home—like all the projects that
would have quickly passed (Who has
follow—exhibits an open layout,
time to deal with 37 flat-beds worth
water features and a minimal design
of heavy metal?) Garcia realized he
made up of a few core materials:
had both the room and the opportu-
steel, glass, wood and concrete. The
nity to build a unique second home
skeleton is exposed, showcasing the
on his 2.5-acre lot. “I knew I could
quality of the materials and crafts-
create something that was against
manship of the design and leaving
everything that was done in Naples,
little room for error.
in terms of architecture and design,”
The home’s energy efficiency was
he says. So he said yes to the steel
also a hot topic—$500 electric bills for
and, inadvertently, to a new career.
10,000 square feet during the height of
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GULFSHORE LIFE
Dan Cutrona
By Laura Kostelny
BEST OF HOME + DESIGN
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BEST OF ARCHITECTURAL SHIFT
summer is something even the wealthiest folks want to hear more about. And because the Garcia family loves to entertain, sometimes hosting more than 200 people in a single weekend, they had a steady stream of curious visitors. It was just a matter of time before guests started making offers, and in the summer of 2021, someone made one that he couldn’t refuse. Thanks to the warm reception around town, he decided to take his passion project into the professional realm. He called up his close friend, acclaimed New York City architect Danny Forster, to collaborate and started buying land around Naples, including a lot directly behind his original home. Then, he got to work designing two much larger projects, both of which sold before they broke ground. “Almost right away, we had 10 potential buyers. Some even forwarded the plans to their personal architects, and we got tremendous feedback,” Garcia says. “The homes are incredibly strong— almost like a Brutalist concrete building—but with some elegance and refinement. This is not 1980s Miami Vice.” The buzz has led to fast growth at Garcia’s eponymous company, Danny Garcia Design, in workforce size (18 employees
Dan Cutrona, Courtesy Danny Garcia Design (2)
and growing) and scope. These days, services include every-
18 2
Eager to break away from Mediterranean and transitional design, the architectural engineer developed his concept for elemental architecture based on the idea of using few quality materials that are exposed to reveal the home’s craftsmanship.
BEST OF HOME + DESIGN
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BEST OF ARCHITECTURAL SHIFT
thing from architectural design, gen-
Courtesy Danny Garcia Design
eral contracting and construction to concrete mixing and casting. They’ve also added interiors services to the menu. “Our English Oaks project is completely turn-key. What you see is what you get,” Garcia says. Every home comes with a complete rendering with every detail laid out—down to the Arhaus and Restoration Hardware furElemental homes are defined by their multifunctional
nishings. Though, clients are welcome
designs. In this upcoming Oakes Estates homes, a guest
to bring in their interior designer, too.
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Even as Garcia and his team take on greater demand (“We’ve got a two-year backlog at the moment,” he says) and bigger challenges, his devotion to the industrial materials Courtesy Danny Garcia Design
that started it all remains. “It’s the same steel, glass and concrete, but each project gets a little funkier or more elegant and sophisticated than the last,” he explains. “We’re creating compounds with houses that sit on at least 2.5 acres. Some have a guest house, a synthetic sports field or an extra-long lap pool. But no matter what, my goal remains the same: I want people to pull through their gates and enter their own interesting little world—a place that’s totally different than anywhere else in Naples.”
Prominent water features are a common theme throughout Garcia’s designs.
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BEST OF
DESIGNER TO KNOW
LOVE BY DESIGN
Naples native Alexis Limb’s journey of love and loss inspires inviting designs.
Alexis Limb is emerging from a nearly
clear. The summer before her freshman
decade-long emotional roller coaster.
year at Florida State University, she scored
Soon after she branched out to start her
an ongoing summer internship at Design
firm, Alexis Marie Interiors, the designer
West that led to a successful nine-year
was faced with the premature birth of her
career with the Naples firm.
son in 2018, followed by her husband’s
The designer has also been engulfed in
unexpected passing last year. But, Limb
the charitable scene since the early days
is resilient. She channels her love for her
of her career. She launched an annual pub
family into her career, creating bespoke,
crawl to benefit Susan G. Komen Breast
inviting spaces for other families. “I had
Cancer Foundation, which she ran with a
this vision for my life, where we could have
friend from 2008 to 2014. When planning
our family and I could do what I love and
the 2011 event, a family friend asked if
help provide,” Limb says. “It was import-
they could invite someone named Jimmy.
ant to me to have something that I created
On another night out, they asked again.
and have something of our own.”
“I didn’t know who this ‘Jimmy’ guy was
Born and raised in Naples, Limb is well
who he wanted to bring everywhere, but
acquainted with the plush Port Royal
I was like, ‘Yeah of course,’” she says, with
estates, decked-out gated communities
a laugh. When she met the charming
and waterfront condos that define the
entrepreneur, James “Jimmy” Limb, she
region; and she has seen the city’s evo-
instantly understood: It was a setup. “I felt
lution firsthand (her father, realtor Paul
really strongly what a good person he was,”
Barrett, has sold homes in North Naples’
she says. By 2014, they tied the knot.
luxury golf community Talis Park for more
Two years later, she launched Naples’
than 30 years and her aunt is an interior
Allure Designs, working as a one-person
designer). Her path toward design was
firm while starting her family. Limb was
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GULFSHORE LIFE
Scott McIntyre
By Jaynie Bartley
BEST OF HOME + DESIGN
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BEST OF DESIGNER TO KNOW
well on her way to rebranding when she became pregnant with her second son, Brooks, and went into labor at 27 weeks. “I had been on a job site that morning,” she recalls. The whole thing, “felt like I was just going through life and watching from another perspective.” While a premature Brooks spent nearly two months in the neonatal intensive care unit, Jimmy and Limb took turns visiting him in the hospital, shuttling their eldest, James, to and from school and running their respective businesses (Jimmy owned a local pressure washing company). Once Brooks was home and healthy, it was back to business for Limb, who officially rebranded as Alexis Marie Interiors in 2019. The next year, she was asked to create an office space at The Ronald McDonald House of Southwest Florida for parents whose kids are being treated at Golisano Children’s Hospital. She intuitively knew what to do with the space, creating a Zen area with soft fabrics, calming shades of blue, and warm accents of brass and gold. “When you’re going through The Naples-born designer
something like that, you just want everything else to be calm-
creates spaces that are ideal
ing, especially when you can’t be in your own home,” she says.
with friends and family.
Last year, March of Dimes asked the Limbs to be the Ambassador Family for the 2021 Signature Chef’s Auction. Then, Jimmy fell ill with COVID-19 in August; he passed in September at the age of 40. “The situation with Brooks really prepared me for that,” she says. “Going through that whole experience together strengthened our bond and my bond with
19 0
GULFSHORE LIFE
Venjhamin Reyes (2)
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BEST OF DESIGNER TO KNOW
God.” She relied heavily on her small-but-mighty, all-female team (a design assistant and one fellow designer) to keep projects moving as she took time to grieve. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the support system we have, whether it’s the team at work, family, friends and even the design community,” she says. “I had several designers from here in town reach out, asking what they could do to help.” Getting back into the studio, in recent months, has been I don’t really have to think about anything else,” she says.
Limb worked at Design West for a decade
Thanks to her local roots, she has a knack for uniquely coastal
before branching out on her own.
design that doesn’t rely on trends or kitsch. Instead, she layers textured linens, natural stone details and living green walls
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therapeutic. “It is a creative outlet, where I can sit down and
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BEST OF DESIGNER TO KNOW
than a dozen units. What really moves her, though, are custom home builds, and she loves working with the team at Bonita Springs-based architecture firm R.G. In true Southwest Florida spirit, her designs emphasize outdoor livability, as evidenced by this Fort Myers backyard with a boathouse, table tennis and putting green.
Designs (the owner is also a family friend). Limb credits her family, including her late husband, for her success. Each day, she channels Jimmy’s propensity for
and several more lounge and play areas by
she says) creating mental checklists to
tation. For a recent family-friendly Fort
the Caloosahatchee River.
keep her motivated: “As I wake up, I hear
Myers home, she outfitted the backyard
She’s a go-to source for residents at the
with a putting green, table tennis, a cabana
chic Kalea Bay, where she designed more
him saying, ‘Just get up, start your day, and check the next thing off the list.’”
Venjhamin Reyes
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CONDO LIVING
ON THE RISE
BEST OF
The latest wave of luxury condos spreads across the region, offering design-forward, amenity-rich urban living. By Aisling Swift
Developers and realtors echo the same sentiment: There’s little to no buildable land left in Naples for new condominiums. The building boom that kicked off in the 1970s with The Lutgert Companies’ high-rises in Park Shore and grew during the subsequent decades, spreading north and east from downtown, seems to have hit peak saturation. For developers, it’s time to get creative. Existing buildings have been demolished near downtown to create boutique properties with large indoor-outdoor floorplans that live like single-family homes and ultra-luxe amenities like private rooftop decks, resort pools and golf simulators. Development has also moved beyond Naples: Some of the region’s most anticipated towers are planned for Bonita Springs and Estero with design, perks and prices to rival Naples. “For a couple of decades, development has been moving north. The county is built out, even east of I-75. Now things are moving back toward downtown,” developer Jerry Starkey says, noting how new buildings have sprung up in previously overlooked areas, like coveted Fifth Avenue South. He and developer Fred Pezeshkan won a transformative urban development competition to obtain an unoccupied parcel near downtown, at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Davis Boulevard, to build Aura at Metropolitan Naples.
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GULFSHORE LIFE
Courtesy Ander & Co
the Naples Design District, or taken over old building sites near
For its 224-condo, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay, London Bay Development Group secured 500 acres next to a mangrove-filled aquatic preserve.
BEST OF HOME + DESIGN
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starting around $2.5 million, feature cus-
oak flooring and walls of sliders that create
four-bedroom residences, spread across three
tomizable floorplans with design concierge
a seamless flow between the living areas and
15-story towers, luring buyers with location
services from LVD Spaces to help prospec-
outdoor terraces. In the central courtyard,
and amenities. “One of Metropolitan’s most
tive residents choose high-end finishes like
residents can take a dip in the pool or snag a
spectacular features is the rooftop infinity
Ruffino Cabinetry, Cambria countertops,
chaise lounge on the sun shelf, mingle around
pool. You’re 160 feet in the air, overlooking
and marble chevron bathroom tile. Like
the grill and fire pit or brush up on their swing
Naples Bay and the Gulf,” Starkey says, adding
Metropolitan, the rooftop is a major draw
at the golf simulator.
that shuttles will run between Metropolitan,
for the condos, which have private, Brazil-
Nearby, in the Naples Design District,
downtown and the beach. “We see this as an
ian ipe lanais with fireplaces and retractable
The Ronto Group transformed the former
extension of Fifth Avenue South.”
privacy screens.
Naples Daily News site into Eleven Eleven
Other design-forward developments are
Around the corner, an office center was
Central with a bevy of desirable amenities,
also coming to downtown. Stella Naples,
razed to create The Mark on 8th, a 24-resi-
like a 3,200-square-foot pool with beach
slated for completion in 2023, plans for 10
dence boutique condo. Interiors by Naples’
entry and units on the ground for restau-
condos on Ninth Street South. The MHK
Charles Design Studio feature open floor-
rants and shops, including Narrative Coffee
Architecture & Planning-designed units,
plans, outfitted with Legno Bastone European
Roasters, which recently claimed the space.
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GULFSHORE LIFE
Courtesy Ronto Group, John R. Wood Properties
Starting at $1.9 million, the two-, three- and
BEST OF CONDO LIVING
Spacious floorplans that flow into outdoor spaces, sweeping views and custom finishes are hallmarks of new high-rises, like Omega Bonita Bay (left) and Parkview at Cambier (above).
Parkview at Cambier in Old Naples is the most exclusive of the new downtown
pit,” Meak says. “Standing on the roof, you’ll
amenities, including a movie theater, golf
be looking at Cambier Park.”
simulator, kids’ club, fitness center and spa,
developments. Three of the four units sold
That price tag is poised to be usurped by
and elevated curvilinear glass-edge pool (not
pre-construction for $6.5 to nearly $8 million,
One Naples. Last year, Stock Development
and the final 3,900-square-foot residence was
won approval to demolish a shopping plaza
With only so much land to be claimed
on the market for $9.5 million as of March.
to build this 128-unit complex on 6 acres
in Naples, buyers and developers are also
To command that price, developer Frank
at Vanderbilt Beach Road and Gulf Shore
scooping up property in Lee County. Omega
Meak and designer Suzanne Costa pulled out
Drive. Starting at $5.5 million, the small-
Bonita Bay, the final tower at the Bonita
all the stops, including $110,000 appliance
est, three-bedroom Tower residences have
Springs luxury development, debuts this fall.
packages, custom millwork by Woodworkers
more than 4,700 square feet of space, while
Of the 67 residences, less than 10 remain.
Naples and smart home technology. Private
the 10,000-square-foot Grand Penthouses
Starting at $4.5 million, the condos live like
elevators whisk guests between their three-
count five bedrooms, six-and-a-half bath-
standalone homes—but with more perks. In
car garage and massive rooftops. “Everybody
rooms and four terraces—with $30 million
addition to the tower’s theater, massage and
has 1,200 square feet of private rooftop with
asking prices. Adding to the livable space are
steam rooms, and resort-style pool, residents
a full kitchen, hot tub, living room and fire
50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor
also have access to Bonita Bay’s five golf
to mention the onsite marina).
BEST OF HOME + DESIGN
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BEST OF CONDO LIVING
New builds aren’t complete without a slate of amenities, like the game room, life-size chess, resort-style pool, massage rooms and ground-floor retailers (hello, Narrative Coffee Roasters), at Eleven Eleven Central in Naples.
courses, marina, restaurants, state-of-the-art
disappoint. Park your yacht at the 72-slip natural stone counters, and expansive primary
Technogym and beach club.
marina, or get out on the water with onsite rooms with sitting areas. The social areas are paddleboarding, kayaking and sunset cruises. perched on a higher floor to best capitalize on The new 18-hole championship Saltleaf Golf those water views.
don Bay Development Group purchased
Preserve, bocce courts and a wellness center
500 acres of waterfront property along a
(with fitness classes, a yoga and Pilates studio, get in on the luxe high-rise action is yet to be
mangrove-filled aquatic preserve to create
and a sauna) also promote an active lifestyle. seen. Developers hope “rising tides will raise
a 224-condo village that connects residents
Kids and teens can hang out in the adventure all boats,” Denny Grimes, president and CEO
with nature. “If it wasn’t an exceptional piece
room and tech lounge while mom and dad of Denny Grimes & Team realty, says. “They’ve
of land, we wouldn’t get The Ritz-Carlton to
retreat to the beauty salon, five-star restaurant, been attempting to get it off the ground, but
commit to partnering with us,” London Bay
or wine and whiskey bar.
Whether or not downtown Fort Myers can
the tower market downtown is not proven yet.”
president and CEO Mark Wilson says. “It’s a
Acreage by the beach is nearly impossible Prima Luce on the Waterfront plans to test those
new level of luxury for the area because of the
to come by, but that’s what Grandview at waters when it completes in 2024. With 220 res-
location, size of the project and the sheer nat-
Bay Beach on the southern tip of Fort Myers idences and a more modest price tag (starting
ural beauty of the land.” You’ll pay at least $2
Beach promises. Construction’s underway at $310,000 for an 837-square-foot studio), it
million for a condo in one of the two 22-story
at London Bay’s 11-story tower, overlooking hopes to lure residents with amenities like a
towers, which feature cascading glass facades
Estero Bay and the Gulf. All 58 residences are zero-entry waterfront pool and location on the
that reflect the surrounding water and sky.
equipped with the luxuries discerning clients revitalized riverfront. As demand for urban
Just as The Ritz-Carlton resorts are known for their amenities, the community won’t
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GULFSHORE LIFE
expect, including private elevator entrances, living grows, downtown seems poised for the Kohler and Bosch fixtures and appliances, elevated living found throughout the region.
Courtesy The Ronto Group
Adding to Lee’s condo cachet are The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay. Lon-
FIRST FAIR Matt Devitt
Chris Cifatte Lois Thome
EVERYWHERE
NO _ 5 1 9
0 5 _ 2 0 2 2
BEST OF WELLNESS
Getty
p _ 215
204
Green Cure: Nature’s Power
210
Clean Beaut y: Bonita’s Vegan Soapmaker
215
Health Events: Fit for May
Big Cypress National Preserve hosts meditative swamp walks and bike rides and has done yoga on the boardwalks. Within the park, Clyde Butcher’s gallery also offers guided swamp hikes.
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GULFSHORE LIFE
GREEN CURE
MOTHER EARTH’S MEDICINE
BEST OF
Yoga hikes and mindfulness trails are just some of the ways local ecological centers taps into nature’s healing powers.
Courtesy Big Cypress National Preserve
By Justin Paprocki
Breathe in and out. Engage your
opportunities to help us get the most
senses: See the trail in front of you,
out of time spent outside.
hear the dirt crunch under your shoes,
In Sanibel, J.N. “Ding ” Darling
feel the warmth from the sun on your
National Wildlife Refuge is putting
skin. Be present.
health programming front and cen-
Instinctively, we know being out-
ter. In February, the park hosted a
side is good for us. In the past decade,
Wellness Week with sunrise yoga
science has driven home the benefits
sessions, seminars about how nature
of nature on our physical and mental
heals and guided meditative walks.
health, with everything from blood
The 6,400-acre refuge also unveiled its
pressure to stress hormones to
new Mindfulness Trail, a 1/3-mile path
creativity reported to be positively
along a marsh in the Bailey Tract. The
affected. Our region’s plethora of out-
trail features signs with directions like
door spaces is undoubtedly a reason
“In this moment, search for … three
why this ranks among the healthiest,
things you can see … two things you
happiest places to live. And, since the
can hear … one thing you can feel.” QR
pandemic—when we all maximized
codes connect you to four-minute pod-
outside time and everyone was look-
casts for a guided listening experience.
ing for new ways to interact safely—
In season, Ayurveda yoga instruc-
preserves, parks and other nature
tor Kim Sowinski, who participated
centers have developed targeted
in Ding Darling ’s Wellness Week,
BEST OF WELLNESS
205
BEST OF GREEN CURE
hosts yoga hikes in Estero’s Koreshan
tion and drum circle sessions. And,
State Park. The walks span two hours
at Big Cypress National Preserve,
through the majestic bamboo forests
outreach and education coordinator
of Koreshan; hikers come with mats
Lisa Andrews has scheduled medi-
and pause along the way to engage in
tation walks, kayak trips, bike rides
basic poses. At each stop, Sowinski
and yoga on the boardwalk. She aims
has participants engage with what’s
to book special events timed around
around them. “People crave the out-
health holidays, like Collier County’s
doors, even if they don’t realize it,”
Wellness Weekend in January. For
she says.
the past two years, during World
Other nature centers have also
Wellness Weekend in September,
made mindfulness a regular part
Big Cypress has hosted ranger-led
of their schedules. Calusa Nature
swamp walks. You can also look into
Center & Planetarium and Happe-
the Everglades swamp tours out of
hatchee Center offer yoga, medita-
famed photographer Clyde Butcher’s gallery within the park. Swamp walks and other verdant hikes play into the Japanese practice
Centers, like Koreshan State Park in Estero and Calusa Nature
of forest bathing, the art of wander-
Center and Six Mile Slough Preserve in Fort Myers, host yoga
ing in leafy spaces, with no particular
classes and drum circles surrounded by greenery.
destination in mind, taking the time to immerse your senses in the surrounding landscape. CREW Rookery Swamp Trail touts its cypress-filled paths as excellent locations for forest bathing. They also offer activities targeted at groups with special needs. Through Nature’s Peace at CREW, staff and volunteers lead Alzheimer’s patients or visually impaired people and their caregivers through the trail, stimulating the senses by identifying elements of nature: the feel of a leaf or the smell of a fresh flower. Family-friendly wellness activities are also in high demand. There’s a Sensory-Friendly Saturday during season at the Naples Botanical Gartheir parents spend late afternoons doing hands-on activities designed
206
GULFSHORE LIFE
Getty
den, where children with autism and
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in conjunction with the Center For Autism & Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida. And Mariela Gómez of My Little Light
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, in Sanibel,
Yoga teaches classes at Six Mile
recently debuted its Mindfulness Trail, which has designated
Cypress Slough Preserve, including
spots for hikers to stop and reflect.
sessions for parents and kids under 5. The preserve’s patio proves to be a “perfect spot for nursing; it’s shaded and has fans and there’s not much foot traffic,” she says. find peace in nature, there’s hope for us all.
208
GULFSHORE LIFE
Nick Shirghio
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CLEAN BEAUTY
FRESH FEELING
BEST OF
Cleansing Essentials’ new brick-and-mortar in Bonita Springs offers handcrafted vegan soaps, body butters and face oils. By Artis Henderson Photography by Zach Stovall
The idea for Cleansing Essentials
on the right combination and devel-
started four years ago, when owner
oped a body butter that healed Nico’s
Ruby Campos started making natu-
hands. Wanting to transition her son
ral, vegan skincare products to help
to an all-natural cleansing routine,
her son, Nico, who’d been dealing
Campos started crafting natural
with eczema on his hands since he
soaps. Like the body butter, the soaps
was a baby. Dermatologists gave her
contain minimal ingredients, includ-
prescriptions for steroids and creams,
ing organic coconut oil, shea butter,
but the effects were temporary. By
castor oil, extra virgin olive oil and
the time Nico was 8, Campos had
lye. Soon, Nico’s eczema disappeared.
realized her son’s condition wasn’t
Nico is now 14 years old, and
going away, so she took matters into
his dry, itchy skin symptoms have
her own hands. “I wanted to try the
mostly stayed away. The rashes tend
natural way, without dermatologists
to reappear during the dry season or
and medications,” she says.
if he stops using his mom’s soaps and
In 2018, she began experimenting
salves. “He’s a teenager,” she says,
with coconut oil and raw shea butter,
with a laugh, noting that sticking to a
looking for the right blend to temper
routine isn’t always in the cards. But
Nico’s eczema. Many of the products
once he starts using the products
she found in stores were laden with
again, the eczema vanishes.
parabens, which can cause reactions
Before she started Cleansing Essen-
in people with skin sensitivities.
tials, Campos, who has a degree in
When she added castor oil, she hit
healthcare administration, was work-
BEST OF WELLNESS
2 11
BEST OF CLEAN BEAUTY
ing full time at a hospital. She started
The brand has since expanded with
Thinking about the health of the
giving her soaps and body butters as
dozens of products, including lip balm,
oceans that surround us in Florida,
gifts, and soon, colleagues were ask-
face oils and masks, body polishes and
she uses minimal plastic for her pack-
ing to buy the all-natural, beautifully
candles. Sustainable sourcing is a key
aging, and all proceeds from her Clean
packaged goods.
part of her business. “As a business
Sea Soap go to The Ocean Cleanup, a
When her business became more
owner, you have that responsibility,”
nonprofit that removes plastic from
than a side hustle, she launched an
she says. She orders her palo santo oil
the oceans. “I love the beach,” Cam-
online store in 2019. Working out of
from a producer in Ecuador that uses
pos says. “It’s my little piece that I can
her garage, Campos tinkered with
fallen branches instead of cutting down
do to contribute to that.”
recipes, coming up with formulations
trees. It’s one small way Campos feels
Special recipes within her collec-
like lemongrass soap and lavender
she can help fight deforestation. “If we
tion target skin issues with natural
butter. She opened her brick-and-
stop, think and try a little harder, we can
solutions. The Acne Face Soap, for
mortar boutique in Bonita Springs’s
all make a difference without changing
instance, banks on a blend of sooth-
new Entrada plaza last fall.
our lives completely,” she says.
ing olive oil, hydrating coconut oil,
Heal y, ha y smiles fr bir to y ng adults!
Children’s Dentistry of Naples Gerardo Santiago, D.D.S. 3021 Airport-Pulling Road, Suite 203 Naples, Fl 34105
239.262.3898
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BEST OF CLEAN BEAUTY
The soaps, oils and body butters make use of all-natural ingredients to ease skin issues.
The 35-year-old now spends her days going between the boutique and her 500-square-foot warehouse workspace down the road. Since opening the store, she’s seen repeat customers rave about how the antimicrobial tea tree oil and various
porates whole crystals, like amethyst
products help with their skin prob-
toxin- and oil-absorbing clays to keep
and rose quartz, in the center for
lems. “I’ve seen what these products
blemishes at bay. Scents like eucalyp-
their reported healing effects. Clays—
have done for my son,” Campos says.
tus, lavender and spearmint tap into
including pink kaolin, French green
“If I can help other people who have
the essential oils’ aromatherapy ben-
and purple Brazilian—add nontoxic
skin issues and make them feel better,
efits. For some soaps, Campos incor-
swirls of color.
that’s what I want.”
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BEST OF HEALTH EVENTS
14 To recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, David Lawrence Centers hosts a family-friendly Mind Your Mind Community Day at Cambier Park in Naples. Expect a morning of yoga flows, plus other activities and resources to prior-
FIVE WAYS TO FEEL YOUR BEST IN M AY By Zahra Khan
itize and destigmatize mental wellness. 4, 11, 18, 25
Free, davidlawrencecenters.org
Yoga Alliance-certified instructor Bonnie D’Angelo leads this one-hour flow
14
session in the historic Edison and Ford
In the Lovers Key Turtle Trot 5K—one
Winter Estates’ Moonlight Garden in
of the most scenic races in the region—
Fort Myers. The morning class takes
run along the Gulf and through the
place every Wednesday and is suitable
mangrove-lined paths at Lovers Key
for all skill levels—just bring your mat.
State Park in Fort Myers Beach, ending
$20, edisonfordwinterestates.org
at the beach with an awards ceremony and breakfast. Participants win awards
7
in more than a dozen categories. $35,
Race for a cause with the all-ages Girls
friendsofloverskey.org
Getty
on the Run - Charlotte County 5K, which supports the nonprofit aimed at helping
18
girls in third to eighth grade develop
The Naples Pathways Coalition’s 10-mile
healthy physical, emotional and social
Ride of Silence raises awareness for bike
habits through running. The race, held at
safety and honors cyclists who were
Laishley Park Municipal Marina in Punta
injured or killed on the road. Pedal off at
Gorda, celebrates recent graduates of the
6 p.m. from Cambier Park for this slow,
eight-week program. All participants get
one-hour cruise through downtown
a medal at the finish line. $30, gotrswfl.org
Naples. Free. naplespathways.org
BEST OF WELLNESS
2 15
Where the locals shop…
F U L L S E RV I C E J E W E L E R / C U S T O M D E S I G N S / G I A G R A D UAT E G E M O LO G I S T S H O P S O F M A R C O | 1 3 3 S O U T H BA R F I E L D D R I V E | M A R C O I S L A N D 2 3 9 . 2 5 9 . 8 9 3 7 | I S L A N D J E W E L @ YA H O O. C O M | W W W. K AT H E I N J E W E L E R S. C O M
NO _ 5 1 9
0 5 _ 2 0 2 2
Del Mar, photographed by Anna Nguyen
BEST OF FOOD + DRINK
p_ 222
218
Spirited Debut: Immokalee’s Everglades Distillers
222
Dining Guide: 150 -Plus Essential Restaurants
SPIRITED DEBUT
EVERGL ADES IN A BOTTLE
BEST OF
Jose Calderon’s family-run distillery in Immokalee makes a fully Floridian vodka with flavors from the land. By Graham Averill Photography by Anna Nguyen
Peru made quite an impression on
makes sense to find a way to put that
Jose Calderon. The Immokalee native
produce in a bottle.”
traveled extensively throughout Latin
Now, Calderon runs Everglades
America while on active duty for the
Distillers, a family business based
U.S. Army and saw how a variety of
in Immokalee. The team, which
cultures approached making alcohol.
includes Calderon’s wife and their
In Peru, he watched families cook
25-year-old son, makes five flavors
black corn with shards of pineapple,
of vodka, like orange-passionfruit
fermenting it into their local beer
and watermelon-pineapple, that
called chicha. “You can really taste
hinge on fruit pulled straight from
the pineapple in it,” Calderon says.
Florida’s terrain. While most vodkas
“But it was the cultural aspect of the
are made from potatoes or grains like
process, how they make their local
rye, Calderon makes his from locally
spirits and learn from their ancestors,
harvested sugarcane. “We tried every
that piqued my interest.”
grain you can think of, but sugarcane
The combination of local fruit and
made the best vodka,” Calderon says.
fermented spirits seemed logical to
“Everyone that tries it says they get
him. When he retired from the mil-
a hint of sweetness on the back end.”
itary and his subsequent contracting
In South Florida, sugarcane pro-
work and decided to start a distillery,
duction has a notoriously bad rap
he knew his native Florida would
for compromising the health of the
provide the ideal base. “Agriculture
Everglades: The process is incred-
is such a big part of Florida,” he says.
ibly water-intensive, and farming
“The produce grown in this area
waste and plant matter can degrade
is some of the best in the world. It
freshwater systems and contribute to
2 18
GULFSHORE LIFE
BEST OF FOOD + DRINK
2 19
BEST OF SPIRITED DEBUT
Calderon works with small, sustainable farms to source the sugar and fruit for his vodkas. Next, he's working on whiskeys, made with an heirloom red corn.
220
the toxic algal blooms that cause red
ers can learn about the distilling pro-
also set aside considerable stock to
tide. Calderon works exclusively with
cess, sample each flavor and purchase
release as bourbon, which legally has
small farmers who eschew the more
a bottle for the road. And the spirits
to be made from 51% corn and aged
degrading practices of ‘Big Sugar’—
are now stocked in more than a dozen
for two years in American oak barrels.
they use rain collection to water the
markets and restaurants across the
Like with his vodka, Calderon paid
sugarcane when possible and manual
region, including Fernández The
special attention to the sourcing of
labor instead of large machines to
Bull and Seed to Table. Calderon says
the grain for his whiskeys and landed
help control the waste.
watermelon-pineapple is the most
on an heirloom red corn that was once
Before starting his business, Cal-
popular flavor but notes that prefer-
thought to be extinct until a Southern
deron enrolled at Distillery University
ences often depend on demographics:
farmer, who had been gifted two ears,
in Spokane, Washington, and his wife,
Younger folks seem to like the jala-
was able to reproduce the line. While
Adriana, studied mixology in Miami
peño vodka, while retirees often opt
the corn has been brought back from
and Mexico City. The couple combined
for the cucumber-lemon flavor.
the brink of extinction, it’s still grown
their knowledge to develop the recipes
While the vodka business is good,
on only a handful of farms, including
that make Everglades 25/80 Vodka—
Calderon insists that the future of
Calderon’s source in North Florida. “I
named for the longitude and latitude of
Everglades Distillers is whiskey. This
tried almost 30 different corns before
Everglades National Park—stand out.
spring, he’ll release three unaged
I found the one,” Calderon says. “Any-
The result has been a hit. Ever-
varieties under the 25/80 brand: a
thing you want to grow, you can grow
glades Distillers operates a small but
straight whiskey, a honey whiskey
it here in Florida. I hope our spirits
vibrant tasting room where custom-
and a mocha-flavored variety. He’s
honor that agricultural legacy.”
GULFSHORE LIFE
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BEST OF
DINING GUIDE The Dining Guide is crafted each month based on editorial discretion and may include restaurants that advertise regularly (denoted by an asterisk). All phone numbers are area code 239 unless specified. Please email diningout@gulfshorelife.com to report changes in a restaurant’s location, prices or menu. We recommend you contact the restaurants for the latest information.
b
Brunch
o
Outside Dining
p
Pet-Friendly
v
Valet
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Water Views
Naples’ Campiello is a standardbearer on Third Street South for its elegant interiors, doting service and refined Italian fare.
222
GULFSHORE LIFE
Brian Tietz
DINING GUIDE KEY:
MARCO ISL AND Ario 400 S. Collier Blvd., 394-2511. jwmarriottmarcoisland.com. At the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Ario has striking Gulf views, elevated culinary offerings and an impressive bar program. $$$$ STEAK
ov The Oyster Society 599 S. Collier Blvd., 394-3474. theoystersociety.com. A chic locale with a raw bar, a plethora of oysters (more than eight selections daily), sushi and fresh catches. $$$$ SEAFOOD
o Sale e Pepe 480 S. Collier Blvd., 393-1600. sale-e-pepe.com. A gem with Italian dishes, a formidable wine cellar and a waterfront patio in the Marco Beach Ocean Resort. $$$$ ITALIAN
bovw NAPLES THIRD STREET SOUTH Barbatella 1290 Third St. S., 263-1955. barbatellanaples.com. Casual Italian cuisine from the people behind Sea Salt. Meet up at the trendy wine bar or on the relaxed patio. $$$ ITALIAN
op The Bevy 360 12th Ave. S., 228-4220. naplesbevy.com. Enjoy premium craft cocktails and varied influences at this locale
off Third Street. The open-air setup with a retractable roof is nothing short of impressive. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
op Campiello/The Club Room 1177 Third St. S., 435-1166. campiellonaples.com. A favorite for its contemporary Italian cuisine and courtyard. The Club Room, a restaurant within, features its own menu, drinks and live music most nights. $$$$ ITALIAN
opv D’Amico’s The Continental 1205 Third St. S., 659-0007. damicoscontinental.com. Experience top-quality cuts of steak from around the globe that are enhanced by stylish modern decor, private cabanas and a cocktail lab. $$$$ STEAK
opv Jane’s Cafe on 3rd 1209 Third St. S., 261-2253. janesgardencafe.com. Come for the lobster Benedict and stuffed French toast, but stay to sit around the lovely koi fountain on the sunny patio. $$ CAFE
Sea Salt 1186 Third St. S., 434-7258. seasaltnaples.com. A local favorite for sophisticated seafood and its accompaniments. Monthly wine dinners and other events are not to be missed. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
The French Brasserie Rustique 365 Fifth Ave. S., 315-4019. thefrenchnaples.com. From chef Vincenzo Betulia, expect exquisite escargot and steak tartare in a buzzworthy atmosphere. $$$ FRENCH
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FIFTH AVENUE SOUTH
Hobnob Kitchen & Bar 720 Fifth Ave. S., Unit 101, 580-0070. hobnobnaples. com. Updated takes on American cuisine in a cool, contemporary dining room.
Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro* 865 Fifth Ave. S., 594-5557. bhabhabistro.com. Find exquisite Persian cuisine in this jewel box of a dining room. Expect authentic fare, plus unique twists to vegetables, lamb and more. $$$$ MIDDLE EASTERN
o Bistro 821 821 Fifth Ave. S., 261-5821. bistro821.com. Expect an open kitchen and a menu filled with originality. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
$$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
Ocean Prime 699 Fifth Ave. S., 430-0404. ocean-prime.com. National restaurateur Cameron Mitchell presents fromscratch surf and turf, an elegant dining room and highly attentive service. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
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Chops City Grill 837 Fifth Ave. S., 262-4677. chopscitygrill.com. An elegant, baroque-inspired steakhouse. $$$$ STEAK
Osteria Tulia/Bar Tulia 466 Fifth Ave. S., 213-2073. osteriatulia.com. Go for Sicilian-inspired fare in a rustic-chic setting or the Bar Tulia gastropub, which has unbeatable craft cocktails.
bopv
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$$$ ITALIAN
Ridgway Bar & Grill 1300 Third St. S., 262-5500. ridgwaybarandgrill.com. A quintessential Old Naples restaurant with creative American fare.
Del Mar 494 Fifth Ave. S., 350-0134. delmarnaplesrestaurant.com. The latest from restaurateur Cameron Mitchell is this twostory, fine-dining eatery with a menu drawing from various Mediterranean cuisines.
op
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$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
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Pazzo! Cucina Italiana 853 Fifth Ave. S., 434-8494. pazzoitaliancafe.com. Beautiful presentations and twists on Italian favorites. $$$$ ITALIAN
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$$$$ MEDITERRANEAN
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BEST OF DINING GUIDE
Hyde N Chic in Naples has perfected the art of the tasting menu with artfully arranged small plates and carefully selected wines.
Sails Restaurant 301 Fifth Ave. S., 360-2000. sailsrestaurants.com. This refined eatery and raw bar has a weekend Champagne brunch that’s a destination in itself. $$$$ SEAFOOD
Truluck’s 698 Fourth Ave. S., 530-3131. trulucks.com. The fine-dining locale touts seafood from the Gulf and beyond. $$$$ SEAFOOD
ov
Yabba Island Grill 711 Fifth Ave. S., 262-5787. yabbaislandgrill.com. Surf and turf, including seasonal stone crab, is the focus at this restaurant with prime patio seating. $$$ SEAFOOD
op
Sushi Thai Downtown 898 Fifth Ave., 430-7575. Multiple locations throughout Collier and Lee counties. sushithaidowntown.com. Large selection of sushi and Thai dishes. $$$ ASIAN
Veranda E 290 Fifth Ave. S., 659-3466. hotelescalante.com. A courtyard setting and menu with Asian and French influences in Hotel Escalante. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
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DOWNTOWN NAPLES The Claw Bar 221 Ninth St. S., 231-3912. theclawbar.com. Expect Southern charm, the best oysters, exquisite seafood and cocktails with flair.
La Colmar Bakery & Bistro 80 Tamiami Trail N., 3154303. lacolmar.com. Here, you’ll find some of Naples’ top breads and pastries, as well as sandwiches and salads. $$$$ BAKERY
$$$$ SEAFOOD
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GULFSHORE LIFE
Brian Tietz
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Grappino 90 Ninth St. N., 331-4325. grappinonaples.com. This Aielli Group eatery offers a fine selection of charcuterie, as well as build-your-own pasta. $$$ ITALIAN
The Lake Park Diner 944 Seventh Ave. N., 2286351. thelakeparkdiner. com. This casual spot serves healthy, organic fare with many vegan options, plus modernized diner classics.
Seventh South Craft Food + Drink 849 Seventh Ave. S., 231-4553. seventhsouth. com. One of Naples’ best restaurants, where food and drink earn equal acclaim.
$$ MODERN AMERICAN
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
op
bo
CRAY TON COVE Bleu Provence 1234 Eighth St. S., 261-8239. bleuprovencenaples.com. Channel the south of France with the food and Naples’ only Grand Award-winning wine list. $$$$ FRENCH
The Dock at Crayton Cove 845 12th Ave. S., 263-9940. dockcraytoncove.com. This laid-back spot serves Florida seafood on Naples Bay. $$$ SEAFOOD
opw EAST NAPLES
opv The Rooster Food + Drink 600 Goodlette-Frank Road N., #101, 228-5973. theroos ternaples.com. A breakfast and lunch spot with comfort fare. Dinner is served Wednesday through Friday in season. $$ AMERICAN
op
BAYFRONT Industry Beer & BBQ 449 Bayfront Place, 331-4160. industrybeerandbbq.com. From the team behind LowBrow Pizza & Beer, comes slow-smoked ‘cue and a large selection of craft beers. $$ BARBECUE
Chez Boët 755 12th Ave. S., 643-6177. chezboetnaples.com. French staples, plus an impressive Scotch list. $$$$ FRENCH
opw
21 Spices by Chef Asif 4270 Tamiami Trail E., #21, 919-8830. 21spicesdining. com. Authentic cuisine from an award-winning chef. $$$ INDIAN
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Photo courtesy of Maxwell Mackenzie
HHHHI Yelp / TripAdvisor
Small Photos: Maxwell MacKenzie,
ONE OF COASTAL LIVING’S
“50 SECRET PLACES”
Tarpon Lodge and Restaurant offers a tranquil getaway steeped in “Old Florida” tradition. Famous for its acclaimed dining, whispering Gulf breezes, and spectacular nightly sunset shows. TARPONLODGE.COM 13771 WATERFRONT DR PINE ISLAND, FL 239-283-3999
COME BY CAR OR BOAT: N 26.39.562 W 82.9.180
BEST OF DINING GUIDE
Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen 4270 Tamiami Trail E., 315-4167. kareemskitchen. com. Here, you’ll find seven types of hummus, salads and chicken with za’atar potatoes. $$$ MIDDLE EASTERN
o LowBrow Pizza & Beer 3148 Tamiami Trail E., 529-6919. lowbrowpizzaandbeer.com. Gourmet, wood-fired pies are served with craft brews in a fun, art-filled space. $$ ITALIAN
op Rumba Cuban Café 1265 Airport-Pulling Road S., 659-2996. rumbacubancafe. com. Classic Cuban cuisine with fun twists and attentive service. $$$ LATIN AMERICAN
o Tacos & Tequila Cantina 4834 Davis Blvd., 732-8226. tacosandtequilanaples.com. Tacos with lots of clever spins, plus margaritas aplenty. $$ MEXICAN
op Three60 Market 2891 Bayview Drive, Naples, 732-7331. three60market. com. A breakfast and lunch cafe with gourmet flair, a specialty market and an impressive wine shop. $$ MODERN AMERICAN
opw
MIDTOWN Alexander’s Restaurant 4077 Tamiami Trail N., 262-4999. alexandersnaples. com. The menus are filled with seafood and tastes from around the world, presented in a modern cafe and lush garden atmosphere. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
op Andre’s Steakhouse 2800 Tamiami Trail N., 263-5851. andressteakhouse. com. If you’re a fan of Peter Luger, opt for this tiny joint founded by one of its former chefs. $$$$ STEAK
op Cibao Grille 814 Neapolitan Way, 434-6653. cibaogrille.com. Here, the Caribbean dishes from the owners’ native Dominican Republic mix with American classics. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
op Dorona 2110 Tamiami Trail N., 5292819. doronanaples.com. The Aeilli Group’s upscale steakhouse has a diverse menu, featuring seafood, pastas and custom cuts of beef. $$$$ STEAK
opb Escargot 41 4351 Tamiami Trail N., 793-5000. escargot41. com. This traditional spot features a page of escargot specials alone. $$$ FRENCH
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GULFSHORE LIFE
Fernández the Bull 3375 Pine Ridge Road, #101, 653-9097. fernandezthebull. com. Expect great authentic Cuban dishes, like picadillo a la criolla and ropa vieja. $$ LATIN AMERICAN
op Food & Thought 2132 Tamiami Trail N., 213-2222. foodandthought. com. An organic grocer and counter-service cafe with raw and vegan options. $ VEGETARIAN
op Fujiyama 2555 Tamiami Trail N., 2614332. naplesfujiyama.com. Japanese master chefs prepare dinners with flair at your hibachi table. $$$ ASIAN
o FUSE Global Cuisine/ FUSE BBQ 2500 Tamiami Trail N. #115, 455-4585. fuseglobalcuisine. com. Find cuisines from around the world at finedining Fuse and top barbecue next door. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
op Harold’s Place 2555 Tamiami Trail N., 263-7254. naplesharolds place.com. This chickee bar serves a winning charbroiled burger. $ AMERICAN
op Hogfish Harry’s 600 Neapolitan Way, 776-7623. hogfishharrys.
com. The menu follows a commitment to sourcing 90% of its seafood from local fishermen. $$$ SEAFOOD
o Hyde N Chic 923 Creech Road, 404-3065. hydenchicrestaurant.com. In his artfully appointed dining room, chef Andy Hyde guides you through his inspired tasting menus. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
Jimmy P’s Charred 1833 Tamiami Trail N., 643-2427. jimmypscharred.com. A casual steakhouse specializing in Wagyu beef from Naples’ longtime trusted butcher. $$$$ STEAK
o Komoon Thai Sushi & Ceviche 1575 Pine Ridge Road, #9, 234-2442. komoonthai.com. A fun mix of Thai, Japanese and Peruvian fare in a contemporary locale that often hosts live music. $$ ASIAN Lamoraga Restaurant 3936 Tamiami Trail N., 331-3669. lamoragarestaurant.com. Contemporary upscale twists on Spanish dishes, plus other small plates. $$$$ SPANISH
opv Le Indya 975 Pine Ridge Road, 591-5156. leindya.com. The authentic cuisine includes plenty of vegetarian and vegan fare. $$ INDIAN
Located on a working farm in Fort Myers, Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm draws from its surrounding bounty for the menu.
The Local* 5323 Airport-Pulling Road, 596-3276. thelocalnaples. com. A farm-to-table restaurant with locally sourced, healthy cuisine. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
o Martin Fierro 13040 Livingston Road, 3004777. martinfierrorestaurant. com. At this Argentinian and Uruguayan parrillada, you’ll find grass-fed beef and tango music. $$$ LATIN AMERICAN
Brian Tietz
o Moura Bistro 3369 Pine Ridge Road, 738-8883. mourabistro.com. A tiny spot with flavorful Lebanese fare, like falafel, tabbouleh and shawarma.
Shula’s Steak House 5111 Tamiami Trail N., 430-4999. shulasnaples. com. Late NFL Hall of Fame coach Don Shula’s classic steakhouse. $$$$ STEAK Swan River Seafood and Fish Market 3741 Tamiami Trail N., 403-7000. swanriverseafood. com. Find Cape Cod-style seafood, and a market with fresh catches, wine and more. $$$ SEAFOOD
o USS Nemo 3745 Tamiami Trail N., 261-6366. ussnemorestaurant.com. Masterful creations using fresh seafood from a classically trained chef. $$$ SEAFOOD
o
Ziggy D’Amico’s Whiskey Bar & Diner 4691 Ninth St. N., 430-0955. ziggydamicos.com. This D’Amico & Partners spot has an emphasis on whiskey. $$ AMERICAN
bop THE VILLAGE SHOPS ON VENETIAN BAY Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar 4270 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., 649-5552. baysideseafood grillandbar.com. Here, you’ll find more than 200 feet of waterfront dining. $$$$ SEAFOOD
opv MiraMare Ristorante 4236 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., 430-6273. miramarenaples. com. Enjoy classic Italian
fare on the waterfront patio overlooking Venetian Bay. $$$ ITALIAN
ovw M Waterfront Grille 4300 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., 263-4421. mwaterfrontgrille. com. Expect organic meals, served in the main dining room (with bay views) and on the terrace. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
ovwb T-Michaels Steak and Lobster House 4050 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., 261-0622. t-michaels.com. Steakhouse dining on the waterfront, featuring USDA Prime meats and Maine lobster. $$$$ STEAK
vw
$$$ MIDDLE EASTERN
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227
BEST OF DINING GUIDE
Seafood is the calling card at the longtime favorite Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island.
True Food Kitchen 5375 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 15, 431-4580. truefoodkitchen.com. The majority of the menu caters to vegetarians, but it’s a perfect place for flexitarians, too. $$$ VEGETARIAN
o NORTH NAPLES BALEEN 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, 5985707. laplayaresort.com. A wraparound terrace sets the stage for creative cuisine at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
ovw The Bay House* 799 Walkerbilt Road, 591-3837. bayhousenaples.com. Southern-inspired menus and a raw bar with panoramic mangrove and water views. $$$$ SEAFOOD
ovwb
Bella Mia Italian Cafe 808 Wiggins Pass Road, 250-3310. bellamiaitaliacafe.com. A tightly edited menu— including European coffee and pastries—from an acclaimed chef. $$ ITALIAN
Côte d’Azur 11224 Tamiami Trail N., 5978867. cotedazurrestaurant. com. Delectable French cuisine, from filet mignon to quail, in a cozy Provençal setting. $$$$ FRENCH
bo Black Forest Restaurant 2366 Immokalee Road, 592-4784. blackforestnaples. com. Here, you’ll find classic German and Austrian fare. $$$ EASTERN EUROPEAN
Bone Hook Brewing Co. 1514 Immokalee Road, 631-8522. bonehookbrewing. com. This well-respected microbrewery has a taproom with a full kitchen and table service. $$ BAR BITES
op Café Gourmand 9853 Tamiami Trail N., 260-7109. cafegourmand.net. Here, find crepes by day, and formal dinner service by night. $$ FRENCH
o
Dusk 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, 598-6644. ritzcarlton.com. This stylish sushi lounge in The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, has a patio overlooking the Gulf. $$$$ ASIAN
ovw The Crust 8004 Trail Blvd., 244-8488. thecrustpizza.net. With a huge sports bar, it’s one of the area’s most popular pizza joints. $$ ITALIAN DaRuMa Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Lounge* 241 Center St. N., 591-1200. darumarestaurant.com. Expect Teppan-style, tableside cooking. $$$$ ASIAN Deep Lagoon Seafood & Fish Market* 8777 Tamiami Trail N., 6316266. deeplagoon.com. This popular eatery is owned by the family behind Pinchers. $$$ SEAFOOD
o
Fernández the Bull 1201 Piper Blvd., #10, 2549855. fernandezthebull.com. Authentic Cuban dishes and daily happy hour. $$ LATIN AMERICAN
op Grain De Café 8803 Tamiami Trail N., 5948081. frenchcafenaples.com. The wait is worth it for the pain au chocolat, quiches and crepes. $$ FRENCH
bo The Grill 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, 598-6644. ritzcarlton.com. This steakhouse in The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, evokes the ambiance of an elegant private club. $$$$ STEAK
v 228
GULFSHORE LIFE
Courtesy Tarpon Lodge
WATERSIDE SHOPS
Jimmy P’s Burgers & More 1833 Tamiami Trail N., 1201 Piper Blvd., #11, 514-1800. jimmypsburgers.com. The same superior meats from the longtime trusted butcher, with an emphasis on juicy burgers. $$$$ STEAK
o Komoon Thai Sushi & Ceviche 1514 Immokalee Road, 2342442. komoonthai.com. A fun mix of Thai, Japanese and Peruvian fare in a contemporary locale that often hosts live music. $$ ASIAN
o
Namba 8847 Tamiami Trail N., 5924992. nambanaples.com. This Japanese menu is limited to a remarkable selection of ramen, sushi and small plates. $$$ ASIAN
This beachfront restaurant offers toes-in-the-sand service and coastal cuisine.
second location of this Italian gastropub features expertly crafted cocktails. $$$ ITALIAN
$$$$ SEAFOOD
opv
ovw Zen Asian BBQ 10823 Tamiami Trail N., 2607037. eatatzen.com. A panAsian joint with fresh sushi, ramen, bar bites and Korean barbecue. $$$ ASIAN
The Hampton Social 9114 Strada Place, 202-2038. thehamptonsocial.com. A lofty Chicago export with a chic, rosé-all-day bar scene complemented by great seafood. $$$ SEAFOOD
o
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o
MERCATO
The Turtle Club 9225 Gulf Shore Drive, 5926557. turtleclubnaples.com.
Bar Tulia 9118 Strada Place, #8150, 438-1031. bartulia.com. The
Rocco’s Tacos 9123 Strada Place, 500-8226. roccostacos.com. This lively locale has roughly 500 selections of tequila and mezcal.
Parmesan Pete’s 7935 Airport-Pulling Road, 992-3663. parmesanpetes. com. Order huge portions of Parmesans, meatballs and lasagna. $$$ ITALIAN
$$$ MEXICAN
o
DRY AGED
ON-PREMISE
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www.kingskitchenandbar.com www.facebook.com/kingskitchenandbar TA S T E
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BEST OF DINING GUIDE
$$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
The Cave Bistro & Wine Bar 2343 Vanderbilt Beach Road, 513-0095. thecavenaples. com. This gem is an ode to Burgundy’s cellars, complete with continental small plates.
o
$$$ WINE BAR
THE PAVILION KC American Bistro 885 Vanderbilt Beach Road, 566-2371. kcamericanbistro. com. Seasonal, American cuisine from chef Keith Casey.
ob Tacos & Tequila Cantina 8971 Tamiami Trail N., 254-8226. tacosandtequilanaples.com. Inventive tacos and margaritas. $$ MEXICAN
op GALLERIA SHOPPES AT VANDERBILT
Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, 631-6844. mistero1.com. Extraordinary isn’t hyperbole; try the star-shaped pizza with ricotta-stuffed crust for proof. $$ ITALIAN
o
Alpine Restaurant 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, 325-9499. alpineofnaples.com. Expect the best of German, Slovak, Czech, Polish and Hungarian cuisines. $$$ EASTERN EUROPEAN
Poke Mahi* 2349 Vanderbilt Beach Road, #520, 260-5722. pokema hi.com. Here, you’ll find Hawaiian-style poke bowls, customized with your choice of fish and toppings. $ CAFE
o
BONITA SPRINGS Angelina’s Ristorante* 24041 S. Tamiami Trail, 390-3187. angelinasofbon itasprings.com. Here you’ll find, fine Italian food, plush banquettes, live piano music nightly and an award-winning wine list. $$$$ ITALIAN
v The Bohemian 27975 Old 42 Road, 4519619. thebohemianbonita. com. The team behind Downtown Coffee & Wine also operates this restaurant, with an eclectic menu and low-ABV cocktails. $$$$ ECLECTIC
o C Level Bistro & Wine Bar 4450 Bonita Beach Road, 221-7046. c-levelbar.com. This intimate locale is dependable for continental fare like steak au poivre.
Chops City Grill 8200 Health Center Blvd, 992-4677. chopsbonita. com. The sister restaurant to Naples’ elegant steakhouse has been recently renovated, including a new menu and cocktail list. $$$$ STEAK
opv Coconut Jack’s Waterfront Grille 5370 Bonita Beach Road, 676-7777. coconutjacks.com. A perfect stop for quick bites with quiet water views. $$$ SEAFOOD
opvw DeRomo’s Gourmet Market & Restaurant 26811 S. Bay Drive, #140 and #148, 325-3583. deromos. com. This restaurant with a big-city vibe is part and parcel of an Italian market. $$$$ ITALIAN
op
$$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
o
The sleek interiors, local seafood and dry-aged meats complement the Gulf views at Ario in the JW Marriott Marco
Courtesy Ario
Island Beach Resort.
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GULFSHORE LIFE
Downtown Coffee and Wine Company 27546 Old 41, 272-6068. downtowncoffeeandwine company.com. A menu of light bites accompanies specialty coffee and more than a dozen wines by the glass. Don’t miss Champagne and oyster pop-up nights. $ CAFE
p Figs Grille 25987 S. Tamiami Trail #109, 390-1700. figsgrille.com. Find a refreshing fusion of Spanish, Turkish, Moroccan, Lebanese and French cuisines. $$$ MEDITERRANEAN
o Jimmy P’s Bistro 25301 Tamiami Trail S., 3900301. jimmypssteaks.com. The trusted butcher serves superior meats and shareable plates. $$$$ STEAK
Olde Florida Chop House 3401 Bay Commons Drive, 948-4400. oldefloridachophouse.com. Waterfront dining serving Florida-style dishes. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
w The Other Side Bistro 24630 S. Tamiami Trail, 9927433. bonitaspringsbistro. com. Chef Brian McCarley serves comfort dishes with a modern flair. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
op Petar’s Restaurant 3300 Bonita Beach Road, #120, 249-4064. petarsre staurant.com. Chef Petar Al Kurdi has developed a strong following for his deftly prepared cuisine. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
o
o Komoon Thai Sushi & Ceviche 3300 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 234-2442. komoonthai.com. Thai, Japanese and Peruvian fare in a contemporary spot that often hosts live music. $$ ASIAN
o Lapa’s Costa Rican Bistro 26251 S. Tamiami Trail, 2217016. lapascr.com. Expect authentic plates of arroz con pollo, gallos and tostadas. $$ LATIN AMERICAN
Roy’s Restaurant 26831 S. Bay Drive, 498-7697. roysrestaurant.com. Enjoy celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi’s Hawaiian and Pacific fusion fine dining. $$$$ ASIAN
o A Table Apart 4295 Bonita Beach Road, 221-8540. atableapart.com. This restaurant fuses influences from throughout the Pacific Rim. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
Tarpon Bay 5001 Coconut Road, 3904295. hyatt.com. Elegant
waterfront dining within Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. $$$$ SEAFOOD
notch above the more casual fare on the beach without feeling stuffy. $$$ SEAFOOD
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Wylds Café 4271 Bonita Beach Road, 947-0408. wyldscafe.com. Three chefs join forces for a fine-dining experience.
FORT MYERS
$$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
opv ESTERO Divieto Ristorante 23161 Village Shops Way, #101, 390-2977. divietoris torante.com. Famous for its fettuccine Alfredo prepared in a hollowed-out Parmesan wheel. $$$ ITALIAN
SOUTH FORT MYERS Artisan Eatery 8951 Daniels Parkway, 887-4844. artisaneatery.com. Look for outstanding specials at this stamp-size cafe. $$ MODERN AMERICAN
Ember 7091 College Parkway, #9, 771-8818. emberfortmyers. com. A gem with tabletop barbecue, fusion dishes and sushi. $$$ ASIAN
opv The Saloon 23151 Village Shops Way, 949-2583. thesaloon.net. A taste of Old West Americana, with grilled steaks, barbecue, classic sides and original cocktails. $$$ AMERICAN
op Tacos & Tequila Cantina 10952 Eagle Village Drive, 330-8226. tacosandtequi lanaples.com. Tacos with clever spins, plus margaritas aplenty. $$ MEXICAN
Fancy’s Southern Café 8890 Salrose Lane, #101, 561-2988. fancyssouthern cafe.com. Southern favorites in a casual atmosphere. $$ MODERN AMERICAN
o La Trattoria Café Napoli 12377 S. Cleveland Ave., 931-0050. latrattoria cafenapoli.com. Known for paella, this Spanish restaurant also features a variety of tapas and seafood. $$$ MEDITERRANEAN
op FORT MYERS BEACH Fresh Catch Bistro 3040 Estero Blvd., 463-2600. freshcatchbistro.com. A
Liberty 12995 S. Cleveland Ave., #112, 689-5528. eatliberty.us. Chef Bob Boye’s dinner-only gem, features menus that are progressive, artfully plated and constantly changing. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
BEST OF FOOD + DRINK
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BEST OF DINING GUIDE
Osteria Celli 15880 Summerlin Road, #308, 267-1310. osteriacelli. com. Fresh pastas are a highlight. $$$ ITALIAN The Saucy Meatball 12401 Commerce Lakes Drive, 800-7172. saucymeat ball.com. An industrial-chic pizzeria with crave-worthy entrees. $$ ITALIAN Viet Village 16571 S. Tamiami Trail, 208-8368. vietvillagefl.com. Famous for its rare-beef pho and rice specials cooked in a clay pot. $$ ASIAN
BELL TOWER SHOPS DaRuMa Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Lounge* 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., 344-0037. darumarestau rant.com. Here, you’ll find Teppan-style tableside cooking, tempura and sushi. $$$$ ASIAN
op
you’ll find options for organic, gluten-free and vegan cuisine. $$ VEGETARIAN
dim sum and traditional Cantonese barbecue. $$ ASIAN
bo El Gaucho Inca 4383 Colonial Blvd., 275-7504; 22909 Lyden Drive, Estero, 494-1564. elgauchoinca.com. Try exquisite Argentinian and Peruvian dishes. $$ LATIN AMERICAN
CENTRAL FORT MYERS
op
Chef Brooke’s Natural Café 1850 Boy Scout Drive, #A106, 332-2433. chef brookeonline.com. Here,
Ginger Bistro 4650 Cleveland Ave., #8, 689-3113. gingerbistrousa. com. Expect authentic
KJ’s Steakhouse 10950 S. Cleveland Ave., 275-4745. kjsfreshgrill.com. The creators pride themselves on aging and searing. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
Sasse’s Restaurant 3651 Evans Ave., 2785544. sassesrestaurant. com. Northern Italian and European cuisine are cooked in a wood-burning oven to critical acclaim. $$$$ ITALIAN MCGREGOR CORRIDOR
At Liberty, in Fort Myers, chef Bob Boye’s progressive, techniquedriven menus feature rare ingredients that change frequently.
Azure 15301 McGregor Blvd., 2884296. azurefortmyers.com. Chef Joe Pittman excels at modernized French classics with a Southern flair. $$$ FRENCH
o Blanc 13451 McGregor Blvd., 8873139. blancentertainment. com. The contemporary restaurant mixes global flavors. $$ FRENCH Cibo 12901 McGregor Blvd., #5, 454-3700. cibofortmyers. com. This Italian spot serves stellar food and wines. $$$ ITALIAN
Crave Restaurant 12901 McGregor Blvd., 4664663. cravemenu.com. The 232
Vanessa Rogers
p
comfort fare is made from scratch. $$$
something for everyone. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
seafood spot in the River District. $$$ SEAFOOD
MODERN AMERICAN
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Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House* 14040 McGregor Blvd., 689-5474. deeplagoon.com. A waterfront spot with a raw bar and scenic marina views.
DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS
King’s Kitchen* 2150 W. First St., 208-8518. kingskitchenandbar.com. Expect a warehouse vibe, beer garden and global comforts.
Oxbow Bar & Grill, and the rooftop Beacon Social Drinkery. $$$$ SEAFOOD
owvp
$$$ SEAFOOD
ovw Roadhouse Café 15660 San Carlos Blvd., 4154375. roadhousecafefl.com. With a wide range of dishes (including steak), there’s
Bullig Coffee & Bites 1815 Fowler St., 703-2629. The concept is thoroughly modern and whimsical, with bespoke brews, plus savory and sweet waffles. $ CAFE
op Izzy’s Fish & Oyster 2282 First St., 337-4999. izzysftmyers.com. A raw bar and New England-style
$$ ECLECTIC
o The Silver King Ocean Brasserie* 2200 Edwards Drive, (833) 918-1512. luminaryhotel.com. Inside the Luminary Hotel & Co., it serves sophisticated coastal cuisine. Also, check out the hotel’s riverfront
The Standard 1520 Broadway, 219-6463. thestandardftmyers.com. Here, dine on from-scratch eats and craft cocktails, served in a convivial atmosphere. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
ov Twisted Vine Bistro 2214 Bay St., 226-1687. twistedvinebistro.com. Expect eclectic twists and a large wine list. The Barrel Room
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BEST OF DINING GUIDE
$$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
o The Veranda 2122 Second St., 332-2065. verandarestaurant.com. At Fort Myers’ grande dame, you’ll find filet mignon, veal and top-notch service. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
ov NORTH FORT MYERS Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm* 8250 Nalle Grade Road, 567-6000. rosy-tomorrows. com. Here, you’ll get a true farm-to-table experience.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Multiple locations throughout Lee County. docfords. com. Go for the seafood, mojitos and its namesake rum bar. $$$ SEAFOOD
T2 2340 Periwinkle Way, 558-8919. t2traders.com. Retro-chic restaurant serves short rib flatbreads, curried snapper and housemade bread pudding. $$$
o
MODERN AMERICAN
o The Mad Hatter 6467 Sanibel Captiva Road, 472-0033. madhatterrestau rant.com. This is the place to be for whimsical beachfront fine dining on the island. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
w
$$ MODERN AMERICAN
MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, 4722221. mudbugssanibel.com. A menu of Crescent City classics (beignets, po’boys).
op
$$ MODERN AMERICAN
o SANIBEL ISLAND Bleu Rendez-Vous French Bistro 2430 Periwinkle Way, 5651608. bleurendezvous.com. This spot is lauded for its authentic French fare, like coq au vin and cassoulet.
Sweet Melissa’s Café 1625 Periwinkle Way, 4721956. sweetmelissascafe. com. Sanibel’s first semifinalist for a James Beard Award crafts creative menus. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
CAPTIVA ISL AND Keylime Bistro at Captiva Island Inn* 11509 Andy Rosse Lane, 395-4000. keylimebistrocaptiva.com. Colorful island spot with a full bar. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
opw The Mucky Duck 11546 Andy Rosse Lane, 472-3434. muckyduck.com. A British pub vibe with seafood platters, beer and live music on the beach. $$$ AMERICAN
opw RC Otter’s Island Eats* 11506 Andy Rosse Lane, 3951142. captivaislandinn.com.
o
$$$$ FRENCH
o Cielo 1244 Periwinkle Way, 4725555. cielo-sanibel.com. Enjoy modern American fare, all made in-house. $$$$
Brick-oven pizza and mixand-match pasta dishes
MODERN AMERICAN
comprise the menu at
ov
Naples’ Grappino.
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GULFSHORE LIFE
RC’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to the tune of daily live music. $$ AMERICAN
op Sunshine Seafood Cafe and Wine Bar* 11508 Andy Rosse Lane, 472-6200. captivaislandinn. com. A step above the rest of the island’s beachy cafes with sophisticated entrees. $$$$ SEAFOOD
CAPE COR AL & PINE ISL AND Cork Soakers Deck & Wine Bar 837 SE 47th Terrace, 5426622. corksoakers.net. An irreverent tone shows in the decor and on the menu. $$ MODERN AMERICAN
op Fathoms Restaurant & Bar 5785 Cape Harbour Drive, 542-0123. fathomsrestarant. com. Expect modern cuisine with international influences. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
opw
Tina Sargeant
next door stocks rare whiskies and plays live blues.
Fish Tale Grill By Merrick Seafood 1229 S.E. 47th Terrace, 257-3167. fishtalegrill.com. With an adjacent fish market, many items here earn descriptions like “the best I ever ate.” $$$$ SEAFOOD
o Gather 5971 Silver King Blvd., 6739939. gathercape.com. Two celebrated chefs team up in this Tarpon Point Marina locale. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
opw Ginger Bistro 2366 Surfside Blvd., #101, 558-8865. gingerbistrousa. com. Authentic Chinese fare, including dim sum and traditional Cantonese barbecue. $$ ASIAN Jungle Bird Authentic Tiki 1520 Lafayette St., 471-4111. junglebirdtiki.com. A sophisticated homage to all things tiki, with cocktails and nuanced Pacific Rim dishes. $$$ ASIAN
opb Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro/Nauti Mermaid 5961 Silver King Blvd., 5415600. marriott.com. Sit outside for views of the bay, while enjoying entrees and shareable plates like oysters Rockefeller. $$$ SEAFOOD
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NAPLES . FT. MYERS . SARASOTA
241 Center Street N, Naples, Florida 34108 239-591-1200 13499 South Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers, Florida 33907 239-344-0037 5459 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, Florida 34232 941-342-6600 4910 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34231 941-552-9465
www.DaRuMaRestaurant.com
AT POKE-MAHI IT’S ALL ABOUT FAST, FRESH AND HEALTHY FOOD.
BEST OF DINING GUIDE
We’ve taken the island dish and infused our Asian touch to bring it into the mainland.
Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery 927 E. Cape Coral Parkway, 994-3062. nevermindcapecoral.com. A hip spot with comfort food, strong cocktails and a fun, musical atmosphere. $$ MODERN AMERICAN
op
2349 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 520 Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt, Naples FL 34109 239-260-5722 | Pokemahi.com/Naples
Point 57 Kitchen & Cocktails 3522 Del Prado Blvd. S., 471-7785. point-57.com. A critically acclaimed menu is the bedrock of one of Lee County’s best restaurants. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
o Slate’s 4820 Candia St., 540-6800. slatescapecoral.com. New Orleans is evoked in all dishes, from the traditional to the inventive—as well as in the lively jazz lounge. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
ob Tarpon Lodge Restaurant*
The latest in Southwest Florida dining
13771 Waterfront Dr., Bokeelia, 283-3999. tarponlodge.com. Expect imaginatively crafted lunch and dinner in a 1920s fishing lodge overlooking Pine Island Sound. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
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THURSDAY | MAY 19 | 2022 at ARTIS—NAPLES
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Melissa Demkovich
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events@hsnaples.org
E V E NT CO - CH A I R S BRAD JAMISON & DR. CYNDI YAG-HOWARD M E D I A S PO N S O R
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BEST OF ARTS + C U LT U R E
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Can’t-Miss Show: René Magrit te at T he Baker Museum
246
Agenda: Top Events for May
C A N ’ T- M I S S S H OW
MYSTERIOUS WAYS
BEST OF
An exhibit of rare paintings by Belgian Surrealist René Magritte at Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum immerses viewers in a dream world. By Lauren Amalia Redding
Over the years, there’s been a worthy
shore. But, that’s the case with Magritte:
housed in a darkly painted gallery and
supply of top-tier exhibits in Southwest
Reflections of Another World, The Baker
glow like gems in a jewel box. They’re
Florida, with centers like Florida South-
Museum’s exhibit focused on the Bel-
accompanied by a case with artifacts,
Western State College’s Bob Rauschen-
gian Surrealist master René Magritte.
including letters between the artist and
berg Gallery bringing through artists
The show opened in 2019 with six
the collector and a home video of them
like Yoko Ono and the Guerrilla Girls
paintings that haven’t been shown in
on holiday. Here, The Baker Museum’s
since the late ’70s. The introduction of
decades and have never been exhibited
curator of modern art, Dr. Rangsook
The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples
in North America. Most of the pieces
Yoon, delves into three of the paintings
in 2000 amplified our access. And,
had never left their collector’s native
you’ll see and how they reflect the art-
recently Naples Art has been elevating
Belgium. On loan for five years, the
ist’s power to captivate viewers.
the cultural conversation with shows
works are on view until 2024—a coup for
by Keith Haring and Henri de Tou-
local art lovers who have ample time to
Les Grandes Vacances
louse-Lautrec opening and closing the
commune with the works by the enig-
(Summer Holidays) (1956): In this
current season. Still, it’s not often that
matic artist.
painting, Magritte depicts an idealized
artwork you’d typically have to board a
Magritte combined realistically
young woman, her golden mane tum-
plane to see—or the type of exhibition
painted symbols, figures, text and land-
bling over her shoulders and arms, her
usually reserved for the museums of
scapes into wry, dreamlike images. His
bosom perfectly symmetrical, her lips
major cities—passes through the Gulf-
six paintings at The Baker are intimately
barely parted. She stands columnal
240
GULFSHORE LIFE
René Magritte, Les Grandes Vacances (Summer Holidays), 1956. Oil on canvas, 25 1/2 x 19 3/4 in. © 2022 C. Herscovici / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New Yorkiety (ARS), New York
The six works on loan at The Baker denote aspect’s of the artist’s practice. Summer Holidays depicts a young version of his wife, done when the couple had been married 34 years.
B E S T O F A R T S + C U LT U R E
2 41
BEST OF
Shéhérazade is one of more than a dozen paintings Magritte had depicting a pearlwoman object. The slotted sleigh bells and curtains are also recurrent themes.
242
GULFSHORE LIFE
René Magritte, Shéhérazade, 1947. Gouache on paper, 7 x 5 1/2 in. © 2022 C. Herscovici / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
C A N ’ T- M I S S S H OW
in front of azure water and under an
my breath away,” Yoon recalls. “Two
the Middle Eastern tales One Thousand
equally bright night sky. A crescent
years later, whenever I stand in front
and One Nights (also known as Arabian
moon almost touches her tresses like
of this beautiful, Venus-like figure who
Nights). In this abstract portrait, no
a crown. “I feel as though I am trans-
looks out directly toward the viewer, I
literal face or bust is rendered. Instead,
ported to a pristine beach on the Côte
still feel the same way.”
floating strings of pearls encircle eyes
d’Azur on a clear summer night,” Yoon
and a mouth, with a midday sky visible
says. Modeled after Magritte’s wife,
Shéhérazade (1947): “As in Summer
through the strands. “Representing only
Georgette Berger (who he met when
Holidays, Shéhérazade encapsulates the
her piercing eyes and gently pressed
she was 12 and he was 14), the figure was
fantastic and sensual elements com-
lips, traced with an arabesque ribbon of
painted decades after they married. In
monly found in Magritte’s work,” Yoon
pearls, the painting is like a portrait of
the piece, she reads like an ancient fer-
says. The only painting in Reflections
this imaginary queen,” Yoon says. Given
tility goddess emerging from the water,
of Another World done in gouache (a
the cheerful clouds, glittering waves,
Magritte’s counterpoint to Sandro Bot-
fast-drying, water-based paint unlike
and pink curtains in the background,
ticelli’s famed Renaissance painting,
oil in its application and its flat, matte
this painting hardly seems mysteri-
The Birth of Venus. “When our team first
appearance), the piece depicts the sto-
ous—especially when contrasted with
opened the crate, Summer Holidays took
ryteller-turned-Persian-queen from
Summer Holidays’ enigmatic nighttime
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René Magritte, La Tour d’Ivoire (The Ivory Tower), 1945. Oil on canvas, 31 1/2 x 23 3/4 in. © 2022 C. Herscovici / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
C A N ’ T- M I S S S H OW
BEST OF
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setting—until the viewer notices the face
trian figure and a rose in the foreground
within. “It evokes the enchanting, magi-
at the threshold of an open cave,” Yoon
cal stories she tells in One Thousand and
says. Magritte paints the cave’s open-
One Nights,” Yoon says.
ing around the canvas’ edges, so the viewer looks out from the cave onto a
La Tour d’Ivoire (The Ivory Tower)
refined but unexpected scene: a rider
(1945): “A sense of otherworldliness
sitting astride a glistening chestnut
Magritte often referenced
is latent in all of Magritte’s works. The
horse prancing toward a soft, pink rose
pop culture; the horse in
Ivory Tower is no exception. The work’s
at the cave’s entrance and Magritte’s
The Ivory Tower comes
ambiguous meaning makes it even more
signature blue sky filling much of the
from the French Larousse
intriguing and alluring to me,” Yoon
canvas. Knitting a rational relation-
encyclopedia.
says. The painting doesn’t depict an
ship between the seemingly disparate
ivory tower but the inverse: the craggy
elements—the cave, the equestrian, the
mouth of a cave. “Every time I look at
rose and the sky—might require mental
the painting, fully knowing that it is a
gymnastics, but it sure is fun. “That is
futile attempt, I try to establish a ratio-
the power of Magritte’s paintings,”
nal relationship between the eques-
Yoon says.
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BEST OF
AGENDA Fill your calendar with local art shows, exhibitions, live performances and other community events happening
Moldovan mixed-media painter Victor Colesnicenco references his travels along the Gulf in his vibrant collages, like N Beauty is being (2016), on display at Naples’ East West Fine Art.
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GULFSHORE LIFE
Courtesy East West Fine Art
this May. We recommend you contact the organizations for the latest information.
Through Jun 12
noes speed past the Naples Yacht Club toward the Gor-
Toulouse-Lautrec: Master
don River Bridge in a series
of the Belle Époque at
of amateur and professional
Naples Art
races. Back on dry land, a
This exhibit displays more
heroes-and-villains-themed
than 150 of Parisian artist
parade features decked-out
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s
floats. paradisecoast.com
lithographs, sketches, watercolors, videos and photos,
May 11
illustrating his interpretation of avant-garde culture in
J Balvin at Hertz
France during the late 1800s.
Arena, Estero
naplesart.org
Dubbed the ‘Prince of Reggaeton,’ the Colombian
Through Jul 23
singer and five-time Latin Grammy Award winner gets
RAUSCHENBERG: A Gift in
the crowd up and dancing
Your Pocket at the Bob Raus-
with hits like “Mi Gente.”
chenberg Gallery at Florida
hertzarena.com
SouthWestern State College, Fort Myers
May 13
Gallery director Jade Dellinger’s personal connection
LunaFest at Alliance for the
to Rauschenberg (when he
Arts, Fort Myers
was 14, Dellinger received an
The traveling festival
original lithograph from the
features eight short films
artist in response to a clever
by Emmy Award-winning
fan letter) inspired this exhib-
female directors, exploring
it. Expect to see famous and
empowerment through
never-before-seen originals
topics such as immigration,
from the late Captiva artist.
girlhood and family. Before
rauschenberggallery.com
the screenings, grab a drink and discover women-owned
May 7
businesses and organizations at event booths. artinlee.org
Great Dock Canoe Race at Naples City Dock at Crayton Cove Starting at the dock, racers on paddleboards and in ca-
BEST OF AGENDA
May 13-15
May 14
May 15
May 17
Annual Punta Gorda
Brave New Chamber Music:
Art Song Plus French Mélo-
Limón Dance Company at
Crab & Music Festival at
Rock & Roll and the String
die at Vanderbilt Presbyteri-
Artis—Naples
Laishley Park
Quartet at the Gulf Theater,
an Church, Naples
Naples Philharmonic pro-
In years past, more than
Punta Gorda
Gulfshore Opera founder
vides the soundtrack for the
10,000 people flocked to
The Southwest Florida
and artistic director Steffanie
76-year-old New York City
the waterfront park for fresh
Symphony performs re-
Pearce joins the company for
troupe, known for its Ameri-
seafood, cooked onsite by
mastered versions of rock
an art song and a satirical
can modern dance numbers.
about 20 vendors. There’s
classics alongside South
French operetta piece.
artisnaples.org
also a mixed-media art
African composer, vocalist
gulfshoreopera.org
market and live music.
and guitarist Andrew Lipke.
paragonfestivals.com
swflso.org
Thank you to our guests and sponsors for your support of this year's American Cancer Society Bucket List Bash!
May 17-31 Urban Flair at East West Fine Art, Naples Moldovan mixed-media artist Victor Colesnicenco layers imagery from his favorite travel destinations, including Naples, with bold brushstrokes for this show. eastwestfineart.com May 18-22 Fort Myers Film Festival, various locations Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC), Edison & Ford Winter Estates and Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers screen short indie flicks for the annual festival. Don’t miss Calendar Girls on opening
www.BlueRooArtNaples.com Visit my online art gallery
239-300-5363
night at SBDAC. The film, which originally premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, trails a team of Fort Myers dancers. fortmyersfilmfestival.com May 20-22 Clue at the Norris Center, Naples Six dinner party guests accuse each other of foul play and blackmail when the host is found murdered in this satirical performance, adapted from the iconic board game. gulfshoreplayhouse.org
Debbie@BlueRooArtNaples.com
Debbie W Nelson
Recurring Events We Love With live music on the streets, nibbles at local galleries and shops,
May 6
May 11
Fort Myers Art Walk at
Art & Soul Night at Shangri-
Sidney & Berne Davis
La Springs, Bonita Springs
Art Center
Stop by the historic property
Downtown Fort Myers’
on second Wednesdays for
growing arts scene is on full
a cash bar, live big band mu-
display on the first Friday
sic, art classes, and a market
of the month. Stop by the
with handmade goods and
accompanying rooftop party
organic produce from the
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden in Fort
at SBDAC, which serves as a
on-site garden.
Myers hosts live music every Friday night.
hub for the monthly event.
shangrilasprings.com
myriverdistrict.com
Two graduate students are forced to share a lab at Columbia University and find they are opposed in more ways than just their scientific disciplines. Amid interpersonal differences, a campus devolving into political chaos, and the uncertainty and turmoil of the outside world, they each discover what it’s like to be thrown into someone else’s orbit. You won’t want to miss this timely new work about finding hope in one another through the uncertainty of the world around us.
1968.
Scan for TIX
TIMES THEY ARE A’CHANGIN’. NORRIS CENTER | 755 8TH AVE S. | NAPLES, FL 34102 GULFSHOREPLAYHOUSE.ORG | (239) 261-7529
gulfshoreplayhouse.org
Courtesy Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
and other fun diversions, these monthly events keep us coming back.
BEST OF AGENDA
May 12
May 14
May 20
Evening on Fifth on Fifth
Music in the Garden at
Fort Myers Music Walk in
Avenue South, Naples
Naples Botanical Garden
the River District
The shops stay open late,
Live tunes float through the
Local and regional musi-
restaurants offer dining
gardens on second Satur-
cians perform in the historic
specials and live music fills
days as local artists perform
downtown streets on the
the historic shopping district
on the Water Garden stage.
third Friday of the month.
on second Thursdays.
naplesgarden.org
myriverdistrict.com
fifthavenuesouth.com
A record $2.1 million net was raised during the 2022 Magic Under the Mangroves gala. The funds raised support the Conservancy’s mission to protect our water, our land, our wildlife and our future. A special thank you to our co-chairs, Terry and Bob Edwards for creating an eco-chic western experience! To our sponsors, thanks for standing with the Conservancy!
PARTING SHOT
I SSU E May 1980
ED I T O R Lanny Sher win
S T O RY “Along the Gulfshore”
A LONG CA ME BOB When Robert Rauschenberg moved to Captiva Island in 1970, it marked a sea change in the local arts scene. The New York artist brought his contemporary works, which challenged the norms of fine art with his reformist blend of mediums and materials and performative works. In 1980, Gulfshore Life covered a major show for the artist at the Edison State College’s (now known as Florida SouthWestern State College) gallery, later rebranded in his honor as the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery. The artist insisted if they were to name the space after him, they should including a display of some of his never-before-seen works this month.
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GULFSHORE LIFE
GL Archives
use the name he went by locally: Bob. Today, the gallery hosts immersive, forward-thinking exhibits in his honor,
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