Gulfshore Life May 2022

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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CU LT I V A T E E V E R Y D A Y E L E G A N C E

E M E R A L D

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NAPLES, MARCO ISL AND & FLORIDA’S GULF COAST

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A mastery of real estate marketing.

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission.

Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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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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NO _ 5 1 9

0 5 _ 2 0 2 2

Features THE LIONFISH HUNTERS

Zach Stovall

94

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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.

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NO _ 5 1 9

0 5 _ 2 0 2 2

Features SEMINOLE ARTIST JESSICA OSCEOLA

Tina Sargeant

106

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GULFSHORE LIFE

NATURE

NURTURE

WONDER

Welcome to a rare life within nature, nurtured by legendary Ritz-Carlton service. Refined tower residences are coming to a new coastal village in Southwest Florida, beside the breathtaking wonders of Estero Bay. By London Bay Development.

T H E R E S I D E N C E S E S T E R O B A Y. C O M

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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.

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GULFSHORE LIFE

Courtesy Danny Garcia Designs

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ART

Jim Schwartzel

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Editor in Chief

Ed Melnitsky

Julie Low

Stephanie Granada

Alberto Orta

Creative Director

Photo Editor

Scott Glick Editor at Large Dorothea Hunter Sönne Senior Editor Samantha Garbarini Associate Editor Jaynie Bartley Assistant Editor Zahra Khan Editorial Fellow Dominique Caruso

Elizabeth Bankmann ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Mindy Roosa National Account Director Wendy Tooley Marketing Consultants Holly Baldwin Natasha Gonzalez Meredith Mills

MARKETING Director of Marketing and Events Rachel Galante Digital Media Marketing Manager Brittney Kleis CIRCULATION Director of Audience Development Kerri Nolan PRODUCTION Production Manager Martha Leavitt Production Services Manager Ankita Joshi ADMINISTRATION Advertising Services Manager/ Reprint Sales & Distribution Kathleen Hill

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Gulfshore Life adheres to American Society of Magazine Editors guidelines, which require a clear distinction between editorial content and paid advertising or marketing messages. ©Gulfshore Life Media, LLC. All rights reserved. 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 Gul​fshore Life and Gulfshore Life Media, LLC retain exclusive rights to all editorial and photographic materials used. Materials cannot be reproduced in any manner without written consent.

© 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.

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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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R E F R A C T I V E L A S E R C ATA R A C T S U R G E RY 239.325.2015

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REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE SURGERY

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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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“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

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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

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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.”

68

GULFSHORE LIFE

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Globally, however, these watery forests

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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

86

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

88

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

90

GULFSHORE LIFE

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SPONSORED CONTENT

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.

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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

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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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GULFSHORE LIFE

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.”

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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.

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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-

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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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GULFSHORE LIFE

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!

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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.

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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

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ART GALLERY

EVENT VENUE

COLLIER Winner Emily James Art Gallery

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THE

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(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

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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

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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

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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!

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BIGHAM GALLERIA | 2425 Tamiami Trail | 239.434.2800 | BighamJewelers.com GULFSHORE LIFE

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Beautifying Landscapes Upgrading Environments

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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

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COLLIER Winner Marissa Collections

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OF THE GULFSHORE 2022

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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

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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

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BOAT RENTAL

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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

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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

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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

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THE

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“

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”

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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

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Waterfront dining at its best

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THE

BEST OF THE GULFSHORE 2022

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BUILDER

INTERIOR DESIGN

KITCHEN DESIGN

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COLLIER Winner Cornerstone Builders of Southwest Florida

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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

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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

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BEST OF HOME + DESIGN

Dan Cutrona

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A rchitectural Shif t: Naples’ Elemental Design

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Designer to Know: Alexis Limb

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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

18 3

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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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.’”

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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

19 7

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

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BEST OF WELLNESS

Getty

p _ 215

204

Green Cure: Nature’s Power

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Clean Beaut y: Bonita’s Vegan Soapmaker

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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

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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

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GULFSHORE LIFE

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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.

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GULFSHORE LIFE

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GULFSHORE LIFE

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!

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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

w

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

opv

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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

v

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

opv

$$$ 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

opv

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

op

Pazzo! Cucina Italiana 853 Fifth Ave. S., 434-8494. pazzoitaliancafe.com.

Beautiful presentations and twists on Italian favorites. $$$$ ITALIAN

opv

$$$$ MEDITERRANEAN

o BEST OF FOOD + DRINK

223

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

op

opv

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

o

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GULFSHORE LIFE

Brian Tietz

bopv

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

op

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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

o BEST OF FOOD + DRINK

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

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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

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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

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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

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229

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

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$$$$ 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

o

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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

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$$$ 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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Top-rated cuisine from the farm’s bounty, of grazing cattle.

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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

ow gulfshorelife.com/e-newsletters

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BENEFIT TING HUMANE SOCIET Y NAPLES

THURSDAY | MAY 19 | 2022 at ARTIS—NAPLES

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Melissa Demkovich

Events & Outreach Manager

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

239-643-1555

370 Airport-Pulling Road N. • Naples, FL 34104

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SCAN FOR TICKETS!

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BEST OF ARTS + C U LT U R E

p_ 246

240

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

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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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GULFSHORE LIFE

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.

252

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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