Gulfshore Life December 2022

SUNSHINE, SALTY BREEZES, GENEROUS GIVING—’TIS THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON ALONG THE GULF

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106 / What Stands in a Storm

Locals share collectibles, family heirlooms and other treasured keepsakes that survived Hurricane Ian.

118 / A Christmas Tree Story

For nearly five decades, family-run Heath Christmas Trees has provided holiday cheer for generations in Southwest Florida.

130 / Festive Frocks

Stylist Anna Ruiz curates glittering, fringe get-ups to evoke the spirit of the season.

Matt Knauf

Matt

Contents

Insider

Artist Profile

46

Juilliard-trained pianist Milana Strezeva started Grand Piano Series to inspire listeners through live classical music.

— In Every Issue 38 Editor’s Note 40 From the CAB 42 Gulfshore Treasures 280 Parting Shot

— Insider 46

Departments 74 Wine Watch: An Old World cellar 84 Guest List: People + places — Art of Style 96 Tastemaker: Brian Denney’s brilliant gems

Artist Profile: Milana Strezeva’s roving piano series 56 Table Service: French dining endures 66 Personalities: Pro golfer Peter Jacobsen

Kelly Jones

— Taste 224 Chef’s Table: Adam Nardis on oysters 230 Dining Guide: 150+ essential restaurants — Arts + Culture 260 Agenda: Top events for December 12 — 2022 Contents

Departments

Home Alfresco 200

— Holiday Wish List 150 Locally made gifts 170 Fort Myers’ craft distillery — Home 186 Stylish Living: Organic glamour in Estero Volume 52/Number 12, Gulfshore Life (ISSN 0745-0079) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Gulfshore Life Media, LLC., 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Subscription price is $19.95 per year. For customer service inquiries, subscription inquiries or to change your address by providing both the old and new addresses, contact: Subscription Department, Gulfshore Life Media, LLC, 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Telephone (239) 498-8501 or email subscriptions@gulfshorelife.com. Periodicals’ postage paid at Bonita Springs, FL, and at additional mailing offices. Copyright 2022 by Gulfshore Life Media, LLC, Library of Congress Card No. 8538973. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Unsolicited manuscripts without return postage will not be returned. DISCLAIMER: Advertisements in the publication do not constitute an offer for sale in states where prohibited or restricted by law. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Gulfshore Life, 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

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© Copyright Gulfshore Life is published by Gulfshore Life Media, LLC. The entire document of Gulfshore Life is © 2022 by Gulfshore Life Media, LLC. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems without the express written permission of the publisher. Gulfshore Life HOME Gordon Drive MINI Healthy Life Southwest Florida Guide to the Arts Visitors’ Guide, Men and Women of the Year, Best of the Gulfshore, Taste of the Gulf, Weekend Insider and Shore Thing are copyrighted service marks and are the property of Gulfshore Life Media, LLC., all rights reserved. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher of this magazine. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but it is considered informative. Gulfshore Life is locally operated. Occasionally we make our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and services that we believe would interest our readers. If you do not want to receive these offers, please advise us at Gulfshore Life, 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Please include your name and address as it appears on the mailing label of your most recent issue.

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. COM

ROB EDWARDS

EDWARDSGROUPNAPLES

Brian Tietz (12); Courtesy Shirlene Elkins, Ellin Goetz, Mark Loren, Shelly Stayer/Roland Scarpa

Denise Cobb Chair, Community Advisory Board Trustee, Naples Children & Education Foundation 2000 Woman of the Year

Scott Burgess President and CEO, David Lawrence Center 2018 Man of the Year

Elliott H. Singer

Managing Director and Founder, Fairview Advisors Trustee, Naples Children & Education Foundation Member-at-Large

Dwayne Bergmann Principal Designer/ Owner, Dwayne Bergmann Interiors 2020 Man of the Year

Mark Loren Head Jewelry Designer/Owner, Mark Loren Designs 2016 Man of the Year

Shirlene Elkins Real Estate Professional, John R. Wood Properties Trustee, Naples Children & Education Foundation 2003 Woman of the Year

Gail Markham Founding Partner, Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company 2011 Woman of the Year

Brooke Denson Real Estate Professional, Dina Marie Realty Trustee and Treasurer, SWFL Children’s Charities 2019 Woman of the Year

Mary Susan Clinton Founder, Gallien Global Vision Inc. Trustee, Naples Children & Education Foundation 2002 Woman of the Year

Adria Starkey President, Collier FineMark National Bank & Trust Trustee, Naples Children & Education Foundation 2000 Woman of the Year

Rebecca Maddox Owner/Developer, Three60 Market, Three60 Wine and Celebration Park 2019 Woman of the Year

Ellin Goetz President, Goetz+Stropes Landscape Architects 2000 Woman of the Year

Ingrid Aielli Co-Owner, Aielli Group 2016 Woman of the Year

David Corban President, David Corban Architects 2020 Man of the Year

Sandra Stilwell Youngquist Owner and CEO, Stilwell Enterprises 2006 Woman of the Year

On the Cover

Photographed on location at The Oyster Society , on Marco Island, by Omar Cruz

The model wears a jacket by Zuhair Murad over a black dress.

Models Isabel Blancart and Sofia Santamarina, Elite, and Fred Holliday, CGM Management Stylist Anna Ruiz HMUA Duality Artistry

Deck the Halls

With the holidays upon us, we’re looking forward to returning to annual traditions that give us a sense of normalcy; bright spots in an otherwise rocky time for our community.

In Southwest Florida in Decem ber, we find those pockets of happi ness at places like Heath Christmas Trees. They set up in parking lots in Fort Myers and Naples with trucks full of firs, starting the week before Thanksgiving. I first heard about the Heath family’s operation from our Gulfshore Life Commu nity Advisory Board member Ellin Goetz; she confidently proclaimed there is no better source to stock up on a real-deal conifer. I knew she was right from the moment I walked into their tent in a Publix plaza, across the street from the Coastland Center.

The trees were gorgeous—fra grant, fluffy and available in a range of sizes—but the familial spirit under the tent made the biggest impression. Customers lingered over conversations with Holly, and her sister, Heidi, who co-run the Naples setup. Their dad, Bob, who started trucking down trees in the ’70s, mans the Fort Myers locale. Some visitors were there for a second or third

time that season, stopping for coffee and a chat after picking their choice Fraser fir; others were mothers and fathers, who’d been visiting the Heaths since they were children, now returning with their little ones. Twinkling lights and handmade ornaments dress the trees for inspiration; some days, carolers and other merrymaking fill the lot. By the time I was ready to leave, three people had raced over to help load the 6-foot Fraser onto the roof of my small car. They weren’t all employees—two were passersby inspired by the convivial energy the Heaths cultivate.

For many of us, the holidays look different this year. Our hearts remain with all of you who have lost your homes and valuables. Understanding our community and the character of our people, we know that wherever you are, you’re buoyed by hope and the traditions that bind us. We see that time and again in this issue through stories like “Treasures Recovered” (p. 106). Our editorial assistant, Addison Pezoldt, spent days tracking down locals across the region who were reunited with invaluable keepsakes that cannot be replaced: family mementos that contain their dearest memo ries. I’m especially touched by the story of Christiana Hedlund, an 86-year-old former Olympian, who was forced out of Germany after WWII. When her trunk cracked

open during the hurricane, she was devastated to have lost a box she had stored within, filled with jewelry and mementos from loved ones. Her neighbor seren dipitously found and returned her belongings a week later. She calls the moment “divine intervention.”

We’ve been seeing a lot of these little miracles since September. On tougher days, look to these moments and know that recovery is underway. We pick up the pieces, put our lives back together, hold on to the ones we love most and remain Gulfshore Strong.

Stephanie Granada Editor in Chief

The Gift of Life

Living in Southwest Florida has always been paradise for me. I’ve lived through many hurricanes, but none have been quite like Ian.

I grew up here and remember going through Hurricane Donna as a small child. We evacuated to a hotel and later had to climb down sheets to the lower level after the roof was blown off the building. Still, I felt safe in my father’s arms. Our family home was destroyed, but my parents rebuilt.

Sixty-two years and many storms later, Hurricane Ian ripped through the Gulf of Mexico. We all thought it was headed to Tampa. I listened intently as the forecasters said there was a cold front around Georgia that might shift the storm eastward. We heard the same thing in 2004, when Hurricane Charley made a right and headed straight for us.

Now, here we were again, pre paring our businesses for the storm, laying sandbags and put ting up shutters. I encouraged my parents to evacuate the home they’d inhabited for 47 years. Dad is 92 and Mom is 88; we just celebrated their 70th anniversary in June. They lived in a two-story home directly on Sanibel’s back bay before the large bridge to

Fort Myers Beach. They didn’t want to leave unless absolutely necessary, and I understood—I’d never left my home for a storm, either. Every time we called, they kept delaying coming over.

The night before the storm, my husband, Tim, and I tried to go to bed, but neither of us could sleep.

Around 3:30 a.m., we jumped in our car and headed to their home. We waited while they gathered their things. By 4 a.m., it was pouring and large puddles were forming on their street, which is prone to flooding. We weren’t leaving without them.

My mom was with me as we drove down the road in silence, with only the sounds of the wind and rain hitting the car. Tim drove my dad’s car. The road flooded soon after, trapping people on the other side. We got them out just in time.

Back home, we anxiously watched the news reporting on people stuck on their homes’ sec ond floors, just a few blocks from where my parents lived. We feared the worst. When we returned a few days later, we found the entire structure was reduced to a pile of rubble—the only thing that stood intact was a wall that hung the three pictures of their children.

We gathered what we could. Mom and Dad were so strong and never complained. Hidden in the rubble, my dad found his brother’s

train that he thought he’d lost. Still, the most valuable thing was not anything that we could gather from their 70 years of marriage; it was them. They are safe and our family is whole. That is my gift. Yes, my restaurants, shopping centers and inn on Captiva are shut down and in disrepair, but these are things I can and will rebuild. Neighbors will help neighbors, strangers will become friends and life will go on. During these times, we must treasure the valuable lessons we learned and are about to learn about ourselves and others. This is a time for kind ness, compassion and community spirit. We are Gulfshore Strong.

Courtesy Sandy Stilwell Youngquist

Sandy Stilwell Youngquist Owner and CEO, Stilwell Enterprises 2006 Woman of the Year

Gulfshore Treasures

Every November since the 1970s, the Heath family has traveled from their farm in Wisconsin to Southwest Florida, where they deck out parking lots in Naples and Fort Myers with fragrant firs and festive goods. Heath Christmas Trees is a boon for locals who prefer real trees, and going to see the family and their team has become a beloved tradition (don’t leave without a jar of their pickles). Read more about the multigenerational operation on p. 118.

Anna Nguyen

INSIDER / People, places and ideas making waves on the Gulf

Kelly Jones

On a High Note

Juilliard-trained pianist Milana Strezeva cultivates a deeper appreciation for classical music in Southwest Florida.

For Milana Strezeva, pursuing a career in the arts comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with her upbringing. Born in Moldova to parents immersed in classical music—her father was an accomplished clarinetist and her mother a world-renowned opera singer—Milana took up piano at 5 years old. Before long, she was performing chamber music con certs with her family. By age 11, she had filled in for her mother’s pianist, play ing Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria” after only a few hours of preparation. “When they throw you into the pool and say, ‘Swim.’ It was kind of like that,” she says, with a laugh.

When she was a teenager, Milana and her parents moved to Sarasota, where she finished high school. “That commu nity was incredibly generous and loved the arts, but it was a very different school experience, ” Milana recalls, explaining how she struggled to adjust to traditional

American schooling after attending a highly selective, specialized academy for gifted students in Moldova. A few years later, she headed to New York City to accept a full scholarship to The Juilliard School, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music and piano per formance. “Not until I got to The Juilliard School did I feel like I was among people I related to,” she says. “It was an absolutely phenomenal experience.”

In New York, some of her most impact ful moments occurred away from the classroom and rehearsal studio. Milana watched live performances at The Metro politan Opera and saw the Berlin Philhar monic at Carnegie Hall—a performance that still resonates. “They brought the complete symphonies of Brahms,” she says. “That stands out in my memory so clearly. It was a mind-blowing experience.” Fast-forward several decades—past her performances at Carnegie Hall, and

Grand Piano Series cofounder Milana Strezeva brings national acts to small venues throughout Charlotte, Collier and Lee Counties, increasing access to high-quality classical music.

The artist performs on a Fazioli F308, with a soundboard made of the same Italian red spruce the famous Stradivari family used for their coveted violins.

an international tour with stops in South Africa, China and Australia—and Milana returned to Southwest Florida. In 2016, she co-founded the Grand Piano Series, a nonprofit organization intent on pre senting exceptional concerts with top talent. In essence, Milana wants to bring compelling live musical experiences, like those she enjoyed as a student in New York, to local residents, from elementary school children to seniors. “Music is a living thing, and it has to be felt. When you hear a string quartet or an amazing singer, the feeling you get when you’re 10 feet away from the performer, it’s incred ible,” she says. “There’s so much energy

being transferred to the audience; it’s really moving.”

Milana and series co-founder Raniero Tazzi, who previously arranged a tour with the Royal Philharmonic Orches tra, use their industry relationships to lure virtuosos to the region. Eric Lu, the Gold Prize winner of the prestigious Leeds International Piano Competition, played a concert in 2018. And this March, world-renowned Irish pianist Barry Douglas plays a recital in the auditorium at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Bonita Springs. Adding to the allure for pianists is the organization’s Fazioli F308, an exceptional grand piano mea

suring more than 10 feet in length, with a soundboard made of red spruce sourced from Italy’s Trentino province. (It’s the same wood the Stradivari family used to craft its sought-after violins.) Known for its power and harmonic richness, the instrument is so rare that the Grand Piano Series is one of only seven insti tutions in the United States to own one. “When audiences hear a phenomenal artist on a phenomenal instrument, the impact is powerful,” Milana says.

While one arm of the Grand Piano Series is to secure world-class musicians to play concertos and sonatas each season, the other is to ensure those performances

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The Juilliard School graduate toured with Manhattan Piano Trio before moving to Southwest Florida and launching Grand Piano Series.

Milana believes exposure to live classical music has the power to change lives.

“Music is a living thing, and it has to be felt,” she says.

are accessible. This season, concerts are held at St. Leo church, Moorings Presby terian Church and Trinity-by-the-Cove in Naples and the Gulf Theater at the Mili tary Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda. In the wake of Hurricane Ian, Milana waived the ticket fee, encouraging patrons to donate to Collaboratory, United Way or Collier Community Foundation instead.

In regular seasons, Grand Piano Series offers free tickets to special needs groups and disadvantaged families, and hosts concerts and lectures at senior centers and special-care facilities. To reach kids without access to strong arts programs,

they partner with two Title 1 schools— Bonita Springs Elementary and Calusa Park Elementary—for monthly perfor mances. “[The students are] so curious and receptive,” Milana says. “They’ll have fantastic questions, and they’ll be engaged. When they don’t want you to leave and when you see a spark in their eyes, you know you’ve made an impact.”

Milana’s key objective is to pique the interest of people who might not otherwise witness live classical music. After graduating from Juilliard, she spent years touring with the Manhat tan Piano Trio, playing concerts in

small towns like Albany, Texas (pop ulation: less than 2,000). “So many artists focus on the major venues, like Carnegie Hall, but the most exciting part is reaching new audiences and learning about new parts of the coun try,” says Milana, who still performs a handful of chamber music recitals each year. “The opportunity to have played in small towns around the coun try has given me a really clear idea of how incredible the people are in the smaller communities and how gener ous they are. It’s the heart and soul of our country.”

French chefs and connoisseurs across the region embrace tradition, technique and twists to the timeless cuisine.

James Waller spent the past 35-plus years working his way up from a sous chef role in California to owning his own restaurant, Côte d’Azur, in Naples. And while he’s cooked in various kitch ens—and prepared state banquets for former presidents Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton—he’s always gravitated toward French cooking, particularly the cui sine found in Lyon and Paris.

But at Côte d’Azur, he’s moved beyond the capitals’ classics (Lyon is considered the global gastronomic hub) and focuses on Mediterranean ingredients, which shine brighter with less preparation. “When ingredients are fresh, dishes don’t need to be reinvented or manipulated,” he says. “The cuisine in South ern France has flavors that can be complex on their own—like roasted sole with a sprinkle of sea salt.”

French cuisine is a cornerstone of gastronomy. With its tech niques (flambé, sauté), knife skills (julienne, batonnet), and mother sauces (béchamel, hollandaise), France has long pro vided the foundation for everything from pastry to haute cuisine. Even through the years and trends, it maintains an endless allure that chefs emulate and make their own.

For third-generation baker Yannick Brendel—who runs La Colmar Bakery & Bistro in Naples with his business partner, Dominican-born Ana—baking is a connection to his father. Hailing from Colmar, in France’s Alsace region, Yannick started working in the family bakery at age 14. At his Naples bakery, he works with imported French flour to create slow-fermented baguettes and rus tic bread baked in steam ovens by a century-old French producer. “We don’t cut corners. We know the importance of bread made with flour from France,” Ana says. French flour isn’t genetically modified or treated with chemicals.

Yannick also experiments with flavors and techniques from other cultures. Before moving to Naples, he worked at a South Beach bakery. “What people are not aware of is that food culture in the Dominican Republic and France are very similar,” he explains. “Bread is a staple of Dominican culture as much as it is of French.” He and Ana mix elements from both cuisines for pastries, like brioche-style pan dulce and dulce de leche cruffins.

Blending cultures also inspires Argentine-born Clara Fasci glione of Bonita Springs’ Wolfmoon Bakery. Born in Mar Del

Brian Tietz

Chef Vincenzo Betulia blends Italian and French influences at his Fifth Avenue South restaurant, The French Brasserie Rustique. Previous spread: The menu at Côte d’Azur in Naples focuses on Mediterranean ingredients.

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Modern interpretations of croissants are a specialty at Wolfmoon Bakery in Bonita Springs. Try the Argentinian-inspired sweet variety filled with milk caramel.

Plata and raised in Patagonia, she was fascinated by crois sants and their resemblance to Argentinian medialunas. Wolfmoon toes the line between tradition (plain butter or almond-filled croissants) and modern interpretations that nod to her South American heritage, like a sweet croissant filled with milk caramel. Last year, Clara spent two weeks in Paris sampling classic croissants from traditional bou langeries and more whimsical, rainbow-colored creations at artist-inspired pâtisserie Félicité in the city’s Montmartre neighborhood. “You can learn so much by trying a product, seeing the taste and texture,” she says, adding that Félicité inspired her double-chocolate croissant.

Southwest Florida is rich in traditional French restaurants, too.

In Naples, Escargot 41’s menu promises a variety of bistro favorites,

like Burgundy-style escargot in parsley-garlic butter and homemade country pâté, as does the menu at Fort Myers’ Azure, where you’ll find frog legs and steak frites. At homestyle Chez Böet in Old Naples, customers settle into the red banquettes for dishes made with locally grown, organic produce and Florida seafood, including bouillabaisse with pink Gulf shrimp. And the patio at The French Brasserie Rustique has an informal, Parisian terrace-style setting for dining on Alsatian duck leg confit or chilled platters of fruits de mer. “We want to bring the simple bistro style from different parts of France,” says beverage director Marcello Palazzi. “You’ll find influences from Italy or Morocco—but always with a French accent.”

The restaurant’s Sicily-born chef, Vincenzo Betulia, recently brought on chef Benoit Valota, who grew up in southwest France and whose resume includes multiple Michelin-star restaurants.

At La Colmar in Naples, Yannick and Ana Brendel work with imported French flour and ovens by a century-old French producer.

Vincenzo says Benoit knows southwestern French food “like the back of his hand.” He’s been trying to recruit the young chef since before the pandemic.

At Bistro Soleil at The Olde Marco Inn, Lorraine-born chef Denis Meurgue is also known for traditional fare, like roast duck à l’orange, brie en croûte and tarte tatin. But there’s a caveat: “You won’t find heavy sauces in our dishes since Denis has acclimated to the warm climate in Florida,” says his wife, Lisa, the restaurant’s co-owner and manager. The climate is perhaps why lighter dishes from regions like Provence and the Riviera are popular in the area.

At Naples’ Bleu Provence, chef-owner Lysielle Cariot looks to the herbs and flowers found in her native Provence to spruce up the cuisine—but the core of the kitchen’s philosophy comes down to preparation. “All of our sauces are made in-house, which is a huge part of French cooking,” says manager and advanced sommelier Clément Cariot. “Making everything from scratch is something we pride ourselves on.”

And since French wine is another integral part of the culture, the restaurant’s Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning list offers

Brian Tietz

FLORIDA

CHRISTMAS

In addition to homestyle French cuisine, Chez Boët in Old Naples houses an impressive Scotch collection, including the rare Bastille 1789 Blend Whisky.

plenty of possibilities for pairings, featuring thousands of picks from around the world (with a major focus on France, of course). “I’ll decant certain red wines tableside because this is part of the dining experience,” Clément says, adding they often select bottles from historic or top-rated wineries, like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in Burgundy.

For chefs like Lysielle and others, French cuisine is in their DNA. “I never wanted to do something French,” says Christian Vivet, whose seven-year-old Bleu Rendez-Vous French Bistro on Sanibel Island was heavily damaged from Hurricane Ian and is closed until further notice. The Paris-born chef grew up with two grandmothers who were great cooks, and he attended culinary school at 16 in the Jura region of France, the birthplace of Comté cheese. After working in

restaurants in Europe and at Epcot’s France Pavilion and spending a year in San Francisco’s Bay Area, he made his way to Fort Myers and opened Blue Windows French Bistro with his wife and business partner, Mari. “As I was writing [the menu], only old French clas sics—what I learned in school and what my parents and grandparents cooked—were coming to me,” he says. “I couldn’t fight it.”

With his second bistro, Bleu Rendez-Vous, he embraces his native cuisine. Boeuf Bourguignon and coq au vin feel as if they’re straight out of a Julia Child cookbook, incorporating local ingredients, like fresh seafood. “The core is traditional French food,” Christian says. A majority of the wines are also French. “Pouilly-Fuissé is popular, but so is Bordeaux—and you can’t have a French restaurant and not serve Bordeaux.”

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Personalities — By Shaun Tolson

Chipping In

Peter Jacobsen has dedicated his life to the game of golf, continually giving back to the sport and to the greater Southwest Florida community he now calls home.

You never forget your first love. For some, it lingers in the back of their mind forever, prompting occasional musings of ‘What if?’ For others, such passion triggers a chain of events that shapes a life’s path. Golf was Peter Jacobsen’s first love, and it led him on a six-decade jour ney. Along the way, it introduced him to Southwest Florida, an area that the now-

68-year-old, retired pro golfer quickly fell in love with and routinely supports through various philanthropic efforts.

In a not-too-common turn of events, Peter, a three-time All-American at the University of Oregon, made his initial mark on the golf world even before he was a professional. He won the Ore gon Open as an amateur in 1976 and

promptly turned pro after the victory. Just as quickly, he graduated through the PGA Tour Qualifying School (a series of competitive rounds played on courses with PGA Tour-caliber conditions). Since then, the Oregonian has remained a mainstay in the sport, winning 18 times around the world and nine times on tour, including two major championships

on the Champions Tour (formerly, the Senior Tour). Now, with his profes sional career behind him (Peter retired in February), he frequently works in the broadcasters’ booth, providing insight ful commentary for the Golf Channel and NBC as he assists with coverage on about 15 PGA Tour and Champions Tour events each year. “I still like being involved in the game, even though I don’t play it at that high level like I used to,” he says. “I like being in the arena, so to speak, and seeing the best players in the game-winning majors.”

Although often on the road, he’s called Bonita Springs home for almost 20 years. Peter’s affinity for Southwest Florida goes beyond its surplus of excellent golf courses. He’s attracted to the people, scenery and lifestyle that lure so many to the area. “This is like living in a wildlife preserve,” he says about the landscape and reliable thunderstorms. Being close to Southwest Florida International Air port also suits his jet-setting lifestyle, since he’s on the go every other week, following the PGA Tour to Pebble Beach in California or out to the Old Course

in

The Bonita Springs resident leverages savvy business skills to advance the sport’s reach through his eponymous marketing company, which manages sponsorships at tour events and operates PGA tournaments.

Locally, Peter participates in charity tournaments to benefit The Immokalee Foundation, the Naples Children & Education Foundation and First Tee — Naples/Collier, which empowers kids and teens through golf.

St. Andrews, Scotland—the birthplace of the game.

Today, many PGA Tour players pursue side hustles that leverage their recogni tion as well-known golfers or that align with a personal passion. Back in the late 1980s, Peter established Peter Jacobsen SPORTS, a marketing company that man ages sponsorships at several tour events, and creates, manages and operates PGA tournaments paired with nonprofits. He’s had a substantial role in advancing the sport’s reach. Seventeen years ago, Peter recruited Lexus as one of the United States Golf Association’s major sponsors, and he’s secured other game-changing sponsors like CVS and Ketel One Vodka.

The company can handle any A-to-Z needs of the operation, from planning the entire event to having Peter emcee or play in the tournament. More recently, Peter has put that experience to good use close to home, involving himself with at least three events a year that support several local children-focused organizations, such as The Immokalee Foundation, the Naples Children & Education Foun dation, and First Tee — Naples/Collier, which empowers kids and teens through golf. In March, Peter played in the 14th Annual Immokalee Foundation Char ity Classic Pro-Am Tournament at the The Old Collier Golf Club in Naples. “Philanthropy is in our blood as PGA Tour players,” Peter says, adding that every PGA event is linked to a nonprofit. “We all want to pass the baton and make things better for young people coming up behind us.”

Peter may not be competing pro fessionally any longer, but he can still regularly be found teeing off, usually at Bonita Bay or Old Collier Golf Club.

Brian Tietz

Recently retired, Peter enjoys hitting the green recreationally with family and devoting his time to extensions of the game, like broadcasting for Golf Channel and NBC, designing courses, and engaging young athletes in the sport.

He’s also dabbled in course design, part nering with course architect Jim Hardy to build 13 original layouts across the country, including Naples’ private club Hammock Bay. “When you design a course you almost feel like it’s part of your family,” Peter says.

Working with Jim, Peter wears designer- and player-consultant hats. He analyzes the quality of the shots that an individual hole (and the course overall) can offer, evaluates the level of strategy involved, and helps create a golf course that challenges good players but can be approachable and fun for the beginner. “We try to build courses where the greens are on the same plane as the fairway. We don’t create elevated greens that require an up-in-the-air shot. It limits who’s going to play your course

successfully or enjoyably,” he says. “We like to always give players the option to run a ball in.”

Winning tournaments and majors served as a strong ambition for Peter when he was on tour, but now that he’s retired, his goals have changed. He’s focused on staying healthy and active so that he can continue to enjoy the game with his wife, son, daughters and sonsin-law, and his four grandkids, who range in age from 6 to 14. He passes his love of the sport to them. “Golf teaches you the proper morals and values. It teaches you self-responsibility. It teaches you etiquette, integrity, honesty: because we have to govern ourselves when we play,” he says. “This is not a team game ... it’s probably one of the few games left where it’s up to you to be honorable.”

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Insider

Wine Watch — By Adam Erace — Photography by Brian Tietz

Drinking Age

Naples collector David Jones builds a stunning cellar around grand vintages of Burgundy and Bordeaux.

David Jones is only in Naples for a few days. The insurance bro ker and his wife, Judy, flew in from their home in Santa Barbara, California, to pack before heading to New York. From there, it’s on to Paris and Stockholm, where they’ll board a 65-day cruise with stops in 45 ports, including some of the most alluring and ancient wine regions in Europe: Portugal’s Douro Valley, Sic ily, Provence and one of David’s two darlings, Bordeaux. (The other, Burgundy, is a bit far inland for the 55-ton Splendor.) Given his passion for collecting, you might assume he’s treating this overseas sojourn the way a Real Housewife treats a shop ping spree through Dubai. But when asked about his buying plans, David dissents with a laugh, “I buy enough wine here. I don’t need to buy it over there, too.”

How much wine is enough wine? For David, the number is about 3,000 bottles, mostly purchased from annual Acker

auctions in New York, specialty wine merchants and private collectors, like his brother-in-grape Peter Rizzo, owner of Nat ural Wine Naples. “There’s always going to be someone with more,” David says, referencing a time he met a collector at a New York auction who kept a 12,000-bottle cellar worth $12 million. “I don’t need that as my benchmark. I’m really happy with the amount I have.”

His beachfront condo on Gulf Shore Boulevard North, though spacious, can’t quite lodge his collection. Instead, it rests in a handsome, custom-built, 55-degree cellar in a warehouse off Pine Ridge Road, which David affectionately nicknamed “The Car Barn” for the armada of vehicles (a Bentley, three Porsches, a Lamborghini Urus and two Ferraris) that guards seven figures worth of wine. The prized bottles include vintages from Pétrus and Latour from the 1940s and 1950s, and a nine-liter Taittinger Champagne etched with congratulations to Michael Jordan and the 1996 NBA champion, the Chicago Bulls.

The collection started small when David was in his late 20s. During a serendipitous tasting at a Napa wine store, “I had a Groth Reserve 1985—a great year in California for cabernet— and it just blew me away,” he recalls. He bought a case, then another, then another. Some of those bottles still live in his cel lar. “They’re almost 40 years old and still fabulous,” says David, who prefers age on his wines, even past critics’ ideal drinking

keeps his collection between his Santa Barbara, CA and Naples cellars, where about 50 percent of the bottles are Burgundies.

David

“They’ve been growing pinot noir grapes there for a thousand-plus years in rock soil ... There’s a minerality and softness to the wines, a lot of finesse and grace.”

David began collecting wines in his late 20s and has amassed around 3,000 bottles, focused primarily on Old World vintages, like 1969 and 1999 Domaine Ponsot, 1960s Château Lafite Rothschild Bordeaux, and 70-year-old Pétrus and Latour.

Brian Tietz; Getty

His Naples cellar is dubbed “The Car Barn” and kept in a warehouse off Pine Ridge Road that also holds his Bentley, three Porsches, a Lamborghini Urus and two Ferraris.

windows. “I’ve always had that sort of palate. If you said, ‘Oh, this is too old,’ I would say, ‘Oh, this is fantastic.’ That’s what’s so wonderful about wine. There is no right and wrong. I think a mature wine exhibits all the best characteristics of what the winemaker intended.”

Bordeaux and Burgundy became David’s primary focus about 20 years ago, starting when he was on the auction committee for a benefit for Youth Haven, the Naples shelter for children and teens. A collector donated some 1964 and 1966 Bordeaux, and David, fascinated by these older bottles, purchased the lot.

“That set me off on older wines,” he says. Around the same time, his palate began to eschew the feistier tannins he found more tolerable in his youth. A friend suggested he try Burgundies. A detail-oriented, research-driven individual, David learned everything he could about the French region. “There is a lot of history. They’ve been growing pinot noir grapes there for a thou sand-plus years in rock soil—it’s not dirt; you see stones. There’s a minerality and softness to the wines, a lot of finesse and grace.”

Among his cherished Burgundies, which now account for 50 percent of his collection, are 1969 and 1999 Domaine

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The insurance broker prefers age on his wines, even past critics’ ideal drinking windows, believing maturity adds depth. The generous host enjoys sharing his collection with appreciative dinner guests.

Ponsot, two rare, outstanding vintages from one of the region’s legacy producers. David opened them both for a dinner party he recently hosted. At another, he popped five bottles of Château Lafite Rothschild Bordeaux from 1961, “probably the second-best [vintage] of that century,” he says. To David—the former head of the Naples chapter of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, an international society dedicated to Burgundy—wine isn’t something to be hoarded away or admired like museum artifacts. Sometimes, even the cognoscenti he invites to dinner are shocked by what he’s pouring. “What else am I gonna do with it, sit home alone and drink it?” he muses. “I enjoy sharing wine with like-minded people immensely.”

When David’s cruise visits Bordeaux, he’s less interested in appointment tastings at seminal châteaux than the dinner he’s having with a local family. “They cook dinner and serve wines from their small vineyard and other people in the village—it’s random; we don’t know who they are,” he says. No names, no egos, just the simple pleasure of sharing good, honest food and drink. “I’m really looking forward to that.”

Woodstock on Bayshore / Hosted at Celebration Park in support of Cancer Alliance of Naples

Woodstock on Bayshore / Hosted at Celebration Park in support of Cancer Alliance of Naples

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At the HEART of What Matters Most.

Naples International Film Festival / Hosted at and in support of Artis—Naples

1 Ellen Kliman, Phyllis Hoskins, Shannon Huber, Dennine Norberto, Dottie Whipple, Karin Thomas, Tammy Greeves, Kim Jacob 2 Allison Christensen & Allison Durian 3 Sarann & Stan Kraushaar 4 Cecily Truett Lancit & Larry Lancit

Insider

Reagan Rule

96 Tastemaker: Brian Denney’s brilliant gems Anna Nguyen

One in a Million

When Brian Denney graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in microbiology more than 20 years ago, he walked away knowing one thing: He didn’t want to spend the rest of his life working in a hospital. Instead, he did what many recent graduates do—he went home. In his case, that was to Jackson ville, IL, current population: 18,000. While waiting for inspiration, he bid his time working at his parents’ jewelry shop, a classic, family-run operation established in 1954. (The store is still

well-known for its selection of modest engagement rings and special-occasion pieces.) Joining the family business laid the foundation for his now brilliant career as a gemologist.

But it took time. By 2005, when his family relocated the store to a more bustling location in Springfield, IL, he was getting bored by the typical stock of 1-carat, colorless diamonds. Around that time, collector client Sandra Yeh started bringing around precious jewels acquired on her travels and at auctions.

Art of Style — Tastemaker — By Emily Farra — Photography by Anna Nguyen

Naples jeweler Brian Denney is a leading expert on colored diamonds and rare stones.

After studying microbiology at the University of Illinois, Brian Denney became a gemologist; his science background uniquely equipped him to study the world’s most coveted stones.

Brian drew on his science background to help her assess her acquisitions. Sandra took Brian with her on “jewelry safaris” in New York City, where the two would meet directly with top-floor wholesalers and gem dealers.

He went on to train at London’s The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, the world’s longest-established gem and jewelry education institute, and he’s since loaded his resume with dozens more certifications, awards and skills. For many gemologists, acquiring and assessing gemstones is where the work begins and ends, but Brian’s natural curi osity led him to dig deeper. “There are so many black holes in the industry,” he says. “Most people just know their spe cific thing.” To fill the gaps, Brian culti vated mentors from among the top ranks of every facet of the industry—master diamond cutters, former GIA staff, mine owners and spectrometer developers. He calls himself a bridge, functioning as a gemologist, private jeweler, designer, broker, appraiser and consultant. By his estimation, there are 10 people in the country who do what he does.

When he returned to Illinois in July 2018, he had a uniquely well-rounded skill set and a deep well of industry relationships. He became a trusted source for private clients, many of

whom preferred to avoid the notori ety of an auction house. Brian started traveling the world to attend gemstone tenders—private auctions hosted by mines to showcase their latest produc tion to an exclusive group—where his company is often one of only 20 or so in attendance.

His specialty: ultrarare colored stones. Not colorless diamonds, mined by the millions and grown in labs, but those lushly colored gems with only 30, 10, five or even one mined a year. “I try to get people to help people understand gems are more akin to fine art than the commodity market,” he says. “It’s everything an asset class should be: portable, rare and the most concen trated form of wealth on the planet. By weight, you can pay $20 million for .04 grams—that’s pretty concentrated.”

Using spectroscopy and microscopy tools in his lab, the microbiology grad studies the stones, looking for trace elements of chemicals, inclusions and hints of the stone’s origin to tell the full story the paper cannot. “People get tied up with the GIA and IGI reports, which is great and important, but in colored stones, the scale is massive,” Brian says. “You can take two diamonds that have the same grade on paper, and one is $500,000 and the other is $2 million.”

His Gems of Note showroom, in Naples, stocks rarefied pieces, such as the 31-carat Colombian Dream emerald, which was recently in the vault.

The gemologist is also a private jeweler, able to secure vintage pieces and brilliant gems. He specializes in colored stones mined from singular locations in limited quantities.

Four years ago, he partnered with prominent Naples businessman Todd Green and launched Gems of Note in The Gold Center on Tamiami Trail North. While the majority of Brian’s work is still behind the scenes with mines and jewelry stores, the private side of his business is naturally growing as he gets anchored in Naples. Visit his showroom, and he may introduce you to such rarefied stones as the Colombian Dream, a flaw less, untreated, 31-carat emerald, which recently passed through his vault. The shop is also stocked with Burma rubies,

Kashmir sapphires and diamonds in every shade, including ultrarare purples.

As a private jeweler, he can track vintage signed Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winstons. And, he’s a pundit for acquiring pink diamonds—particularly, those lush, highly saturated pinks from the Argyle mine, where 90 percent of the world’s pink diamonds hail from. Demand for them has skyrocketed since the mine closed in 2020. Brian has the connections to secure the stones, and he has the credentials and equipment to establish the provenance and value

of Argyle pinks mined for the 20 years before the reports were created.

These singular stones often appear in designs he creates under his Gems of Note label, highlighting the gems’ unique qualities without detracting from their natural beauty. “With smaller stones, I do a lot of floral designs,” he explains. “My challenge is to make something that’s $50,000 look like $50,000.” Brian takes pride in working with the best in the biz. His main jeweler, Alex Yonnick, hails from Moscow and is trained in Old World techniques. Alex has worked with

some of the biggest jewelry houses in the world. “Any important piece of jewelry in colored diamonds, chances are he’s the one that set it,” Brian says.

A recent exhibit at Harvard’s Museum of Natural History focused on Gems of Notes’ colored diamonds, including an Argyle cascade necklace with 37 carats of pink and violet diamonds. “The cur rent value is at $6 million … I couldn’t reproduce the piece today,” he says. The exhibit also presented a large spectrum of his unmodified purple diamonds

Under his Gems of Note label, Brian designs elegant jewelry, like this pair of cascading, vivid yellow diamond earrings.

(meaning they’re fully purple, not tinted with other colors. Finding a range of these is nearly impossible).

Education is the heart of Brian’s busi ness. He communicates with the miner, cutter, fabricator, jewelry store and con sumer, understanding where everything fits into the puzzle and how to meet each person’s need. He also brokers high-end consignment sales of precious gems. A client may have a piece and want to attain a specific number for it, and he does what is necessary—clean the metal, repolish

or cut the stones, certify and insure the piece—to bring it to market. In a recent case, Brian restored a 1930s Van Cleef & Arpels Kashmir sapphire bracelet valued to sell at $700,000 due to wear and tear. After he was done with it, the piece sold for $2 million.

He stresses that the value of a stone or piece of jewelry does not rest only on its size. For instance, red diamonds—a shade of pink diamonds—are some of the rarest diamonds found in nature. In 2020, only one was discovered.

Although it came in under 1 carat, it sold for about $1.5 million—many times greater than that of a similarly sized colorless diamond.

Finding these one-in-a-million stones keeps Brian inspired. “Being a scientist and understanding the rarity, the origin of color and how the ecosystem has to be perfect to make this happen—it’s a very, very special thing,” he says. “A painting is produced by man. But this is one of the last opportunities to purchase something that is beyond rare.”

Gallerie

on-trend,

FEATURES / A deep dive into the soulful stories of the region

“We want to create holiday memories. After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year.” —Heidi Heath, Heath Christmas Trees’ family

TREASURES

RECOVERED

While Hurricane Ian took many valuables, some of us returned home to find the things that remained were those that matter most—irreplaceable, invaluable heirlooms that contain our memories.

NGUYEN

ANNA

ADDISON

BY

BY

PEZOLDT PHOTOGRAPHY

FROM BETTY, WITH LOVE

The Van Arsdale family has a long legacy in Naples, stretching back five genera tions. One of the youngest descendants, Nina, who moved back to town a few years ago, often remembers her grandmother Betty, a vibrant artist, who passed away in 2015. In the 1960s, Betty started illus trating Christmas cards for the family. Drawn mostly in black or red ink, the cards might feature Betty’s pet parrot, Leonard, sitting in a palm tree—a fun, Floridian spin on the “Twelve Days of Christmas” partridge in a pear tree gift. Or, you might find a sketch of the tree-

framed home the family used to own on Rum Row. Nina’s favorite card, dating back to the 1980s, shows Betty’s 10 grand children at the time. Nina didn’t know about the card until she went to help her father in his Royal Harbor home after the storm and found it in a plastic bin on the flooded first floor. The space was filled with photos, brochures and schedules from Provincetown-Boston Airlines—the airline that serviced Naples for decades and was founded by Nina’s grandfather, John. Looking closely at the card, Nina found her name hidden in a dress, a detail inspired by artist Al Hirschfeld, who famously hid the name of his daughter, Nina, in many of his illustrations. “It was the first time I had a joyous moment after the storm,” she says.

She separated the cards one by one and laid them out to dry. Among the wreck age, Nina found comfort in the preserved holiday relics. “It reminded me how witty and young-spirited she was in the things she created,” Nina says. The finding also reminded her to pay closer attention to all those irreplaceable family memen tos. The cards and other keepsakes now reside in Nina’s office—all except for the Hirschfield-inspired card, which she framed. “All these years later, it brought up those emotions and reminded me how amazing she was. Those are the lit tle moments we need to hold on to and remember,” she says.

CLOSE TO THE HEART

Brenda Andersen promised to buy a house for herself after her late-life divorce. Two years ago, she bought a home in Old Bridge Village, an adult community in North Fort Myers, and recruited a friend to help with the repairs on the fixer-upper. When the storm came this fall, two years of work washed away.

Brenda came home to find three precious items floating in 18 inches of water. There in the muck, she saw a set of lockets she made when she was younger with photos of her grandmother; her first stepfather, the man who raised her and who she considered a hero; and her mother’s last husband. Each one stood opposite a photo of her mom. “I hesi tated even to open the lockets,” Brenda says, knowing how water damage can ruin old photographs.

Though in one locket, the portrait of her grandmother is marred, with her face barely recognizable, and her mom’s face fading, the rest are in good condition. She’s thankful to have a reminder of her family she can keep close to her heart. “Everybody has memories, but you don’t really stop to think how important they are until you almost lose the thing that triggers those memories,” she says.

THE BOOK OF LIFE

At 53, dermatologist Scott Crater is the youngest of seven children. As children, he and his siblings were given their mother’s 1909 edition of The Wizard of Oz. Their mother, who passed away at 92 in 2015, received the book when she was a kid. Over the years, the hardcover was always on the family bookshelf, a con stant presence in their lives. By the time Scott was old enough to read it, scribble marks and stains from his siblings cov ered the pages. “I think all of our hands have touched that book at one point or another,” he says. He inherited the book when he graduated college and has taken pride in preserving it.

The day before the storm hit, Scott rushed to evacuate the Sanibel home where he and his wife raised their three

children. They only had time to gather essentials like insurance documents. A week later, displaced, Scott took a boat back to the island to see what remained. His home—an upside-down concept, with the living area on the upper floor and storage on the lower level—was submerged, with many memories lying under 8 feet of water. Bins filled with newspapers, playbills of his children’s community theater days and wedding albums were drenched. The Wizard of Oz book was covered in mud and had been sitting in water for days when he found it; he thought it was unsalvageable.

But as the pages dried, he noticed though the spine was ripped and the cover gone, the pages held together, and the pictures and words were intact. “I don’t have too many tangible items from my parents,” Scott says, adding that as the youngest in a big family, there wasn’t much left for him to inherit. Scott’s eager to pass the book down to his children. “My kids never got to know their grand mother too well,” he says. “This book gives them a connection to her.”

BACK ON TRACK

Tom and Ellie Kolar lived on the water in Fort Myers Beach for 47 years. Having spent most of their lives in Southwest Florida, the couple had gone through many storms and were in no rush to leave their home. Around 3:30 a.m. the night before the hurricane hit, their daughter Sandy Stilwell Youngquist received a call—the wind was picking up, there was a downpour. She knew they needed to get out and rushed over in the middle of the night to evacuate her 92-year-old father and 88-year-old mother.  When they returned three days later, the Kolars found all that stood in the home, where they’d raised their children and recently celebrated their 70th anni versary, was one wall with framed por traits of the couple’s three children. This

was the second time they’d lost a home to a major storm; the first was in Cape Coral during Hurricane Donna in 1960.

While Tom was digging through the rubble in search of some of Ellie’s jewelry, he spotted something red amidst the black and brown muck and metal beams: a vintage toy train, about a foot long, with American Flyer Lines written on the side and flecks of gold shining through between the bits of rust. The train had been a gift to his older brother, Frank, from their grand father when the family lived in Chicago in the 1930s. Frank died some years later in a car accident when Tom was 14. “He was a real close friend of mine when we were growing up,” Tom says. “Wherever he went, he took me along with him. I was kind of a pain in the butt, and I was a dragalong. But he was a good brother.”

Tom brought the train along when he moved to Florida with his wife and kids in 1959. It was one of his last few phys

ical reminders of his big brother. After Hurricane Donna, the family stored the locomotive in a box, but decades later, when Hurricane Irma hit their Fort Myers Beach home, the train went missing, presumably washed away. For years, Tom thought the locomotive was lost until he saw the engine peeking out of the rubble after Ian. He dug deeper and found one of the dining cars, too. “Here it was after all these years,” he says. This time around, Tom won’t store the train; he wants to be able to look at it every day and plans to display it on a bookshelf in his new condo—a perfect resting place.

INTERNATIONAL TROPHIES

A former Olympian, Fort Myers-based Christiana Hedlund has moved around a lot. She and her family were pushed out of Germany after World War II, and she had to leave most of her possessions behind— including the bronze Olympic medal she won in the all-around gymnastics category. Over the years, the 86-year-old has lived across Europe and the United States. She’s gathered keepsakes and jewelry from the places and people who have meant the most to her.  Christiana has a handmade silver necklace from Italy she hopes to pass along to her granddaughters; an 18-karat gold bracelet, ring and band gifted by her mother for Christiana’s confirmation in 1950; and a gold, heart pendant necklace her best friend gave her 10 years ago before passing away from leukemia. This piece, she says, is her favorite. “She was my best friend, my everything, my comfort,” Christiana says. “Sometimes you tell a girlfriend more than your own husband.”

As the hurricane neared, Christi ana placed her prized possessions in a locked box within the trunk of her car for safety—it contained her jewelry and her corgi’s first-place medals from several dog shows in Germany. She couldn’t imagine losing what little remained of her past life. Christiana rode out the storm for 10 hours in the community center with 42 neigh bors, six dogs, five cats and two birds, who sat without power while the worst of the hurricane hit.

When they emerged, she found the flood had messed with the car’s electron ics and popped the trunk—her posses sions were swept away; her home was destroyed. “My car was totally wet to the dashboard,” she recalls. “And then I came back, I stepped in the house and ‘squish, squish,’ water on the rug.”

A week after the storm, her neighbor Preston Becker was cutting down trees at the community’s clubhouse and noticed a soaked train case below him. He had a hunch it belonged to Christiana and walked the waterlogged package over as she headed out the door. When she saw him, Christiana broke down in tears. “I look at it as a divine intervention, like a miracle,” she says. “I am blessed—I mean, that happens once in a million years.”

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE

Since the 1970s, the Heath family has decked the halls of local homes for the holiday season with their fragrant firs.

BY LAUREN AMALIA REDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA NGUYEN

LOADING CHRISTMAS TREES INTO A REFRIGERATED SEMI-TRUCK IS BURLY AND

DEMANDING WORK. THE TREES’ FINAL DESTINATIONS—IN SUBTROPICAL NAPLES

WORK TAKES PLACE AT HEATH FARMS IN COLOMA, WISCONSIN, AN HOUR OR SO

NORTH OF MADISON. IT’S ALL PART AND PARCEL OF HEATH CHRISTMAS TREES, THE MIDWESTERN FAMILY OPERATION BEHIND ONE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S MOST

ADORED HOLIDAY VENDORS.

By mid-November, the first semis make their way south, en route to fill sprawling tents set up in two Gulf Coast parking lots. Bob Heath, who at 94 still co-owns and operates Heath Christmas Trees, used to ride down with his aromatic inventory. These days, he opts to fly. “He’s gotta keep in shape to make it on the plane,” his daughter, Heidi, teases.

Bob still mans the farm’s Christmas tree lot in Fort Myers with longtime family friend Janice Clark; Heidi and her sister, Holly, run the Naples lot. All four co-own the business. They announce each season’s locations with a cheery Facebook post and a postcard mailing to prior year customers; their tents have popped up in parking lots outside myriad gas stations and shopping centers across Lee and Collier Counties over the years. The lots—complete with twinkling lights, nostalgic yuletide decor and carols playing overhead—evoke what Heidi calls, “that warm and fuzzy holiday feeling.”

The Heaths live full-time in Wisconsin, and for more than five decades, they’ve been caravan ning down to the Gulf for a few weeks every year. They don’t make the trek solely because the region’s ever-booming population translates into steady sales; they come for the legion of loyal customers. “It’s hard work and a big investment,” Bob says. “But the work’s very important to

AND FORT MYERS—ARE A FAR CRY FROM FORESTS WHERE THE LATE AUTUMN GRUNT

Wisconsin-based Heath Christmas Trees has been a mainstay in the local holiday scene for more than five decades.

us, as we’ve made lots of friends over the years because of it.” The time many of their customers spend finding their Christmas tree is pretty slim compared to the time they spend catching up after a year apart. “Some people have bought trees from me since day one,” he continues. “They come back, and then their families keep coming back. It’s intergenerational now.”

The Heaths’ operation also includes a team of 25 employed at their Christmas tree farm in Coloma—many of whom have been with the family for decades. “They stay until the week before Christmas, working around four weeks at a breakneck pace,” Bob says.

The operation wasn’t always so extensive. A vacation in Naples with his wife around 1970 planted the seed for Bob to expand his Christmas tree venture to Florida, where he astutely noted the affluent, expanding winter population were mostly fellow Midwestern ers and accustomed to real, not fake, trees. “Naples had the climate, had the people, had the potential,” he says. Not long after, he came to Naples alone with a single tractor-trailer loaded with what he guesses were around 400-to-500 trees, setting up his lot in a Texaco station. “I ended up burning the 200 trees that didn’t sell,” he said. Undeterred, Bob gave it another shot the following year—and took an even bigger gamble, roping in his in-laws

Owner Bob Heath and his family truck hand-selected firs from their farm in Wisconsin to Naples and Fort Myers. They started around 1970, after recognizing Naples’ expanding winter population was mostly from the Midwest and accustomed to real, not fake, trees.

Bob, now 94 years old, still runs the tree lot in Fort Myers with family friend Janice Clark, while his two daughters run the Naples lot. Twinkling lights and carols add to the festivities.

to run the Naples lot while he manned a new, second lot in Fort Myers. “The second winter, we sold the whole semi full of trees,” he says proudly. “The only mistake I made was that I didn’t buy half of Naples’ real estate back then.”

While the trees that Bob brought down in the early 1970s were from his farm, Heath Christmas Trees’ inventory is now a little broader. The Heaths supplement their local harvest of Fraser firs from Wisconsin by carrying additional Frasers from North Carolina, as well as Nordmann and Noble firs from the Pacific Northwest. “We try to be on the cusp of what’s new,” Heidi says (even the Christmas tree market is susceptible to trends in taste and style).

Meanwhile, they hand-select all the trees from their Wisconsin farm. “We get what we call ‘No. 1 grade trees,’ or the first and best cuts out of a field,” Heidi explains. In October, they prune and manicure the trees to properly shape them. Each tree is affixed with a colored tag in the fall, identifying it based on its “shape, fullness and feel.” Their firs range from towering, 20-foot-tall giants to more diminutive, 2- to 4-foot-tall specimens.

Heath Farms begins to cut its trees in early November, running them through a baler—the machine that wraps each tree in its snug protective netting—before they sort and pile the

conifers by size. Trees then get stacked in each trailer horizontally, to the tune of around 400 to 500 evergreens per truck. By that time, the semis, which are refrigerated to preserve the trees’ freshness, start rolling in. Crucially, they don’t all arrive at once. They’re staggered, with each load showing up every three or four days to replenish the lots with fresh trees. “It takes a lot of planning to time it right,” Bob says.

They also transport another product from Wisconsin. Bob estimates that they bring around 2,000 jars of pickles made from their farm’s cucumbers. Pickles have long been associated with the holidays in the Midwest under the guise of glass Christmas tree ornaments. Around 15 years ago, Bob came up with the idea to dole out a jar of pickles from their farm with every tree purchased. “People eat the pickles after they’ve taken their tree home, and think about us,” Heidi says. “Though we’ll have families that come and eat the whole jar right on the lot.”

A visit to Heath Christmas Trees is an annual tradition for many Southwest Florida families. Lifelong customers don’t just leave the lots with a fragrant tree and a jar of pickles. They leave with a healthy dose of holiday spirit. And the proof is in the (figgy) pudding. “We want to create holiday memories,” Heidi says. “After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year.”

Visits have become an annual tradition for Southwest Floridians, not only for the trees but for the holiday spirit.

SHINING MOMENT

When dinner parties turn into all-night affairs and you dance like no one is watching, turn to glittering, fringe frocks that swing and twinkle in the light, making you the star of the show. These winter looks are set against Marco Island’s swanky, speakeasy-inspired The Oyster Society.

BY ANNA RUIZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY OMAR CRUZ

Mirror, Mirror Isabel wears a layered fringe-sleeve mini-dress from Naeem Khan. Sofia wears a halter-style mini-dress by Bronx and Banco.

Time Flies A close-up of Naeem Khan’s swingy dress reveals its dancerly style.

Night Fever Sofia wears a head-turning aqua jacket by Oscar de la Renta. Opposite: Isabel wears a reflective crop top by FANNIE SCHIAVONI paired with a skirt by Jonathan Simkhai.

Cocktail Hour Sofia and Isabel wear cascading cocktail dresses by Hervé Léger, paired with dangling earrings by Adriana Orsini and Isabel Marant, respectively.

Night Cap Sofia wears a shimmering silver jacket by Zuhair Murad over a black dress. Fred wears a tuxedo by Emporio Armani.

Golden Hour Sofia wears a corset by The Row with vintage, gold-fringe pants. Opposite: Sofia in a feathertrimmed sequin gown from the Amanda Uprichard x Bloomingdale’s collection.

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How do you wrap 170 acres in a bow?

Give the gift of nature

Share the beauty of the tropics with the gift of membership to Naples Botanical Garden, where plants and people thrive together. Unlimited Garden admission, exclusive Members-only access, and programs for all ages await.

New in 2023 only! Join us as we explore Mexico with specially curated exhibitions and events that highlight the plants and cultures of this vibrant country. Plan your visit and purchase your gift membership at naplesgarden.org

where plants • and people • thrive together™

Holiday Wish List — Locally Made — By Gina Valentino — Photography by Anna Nguyen

The Art of Gifting

One of the best ways to uplift our community and delight your loved ones: shop for gifts from local artisans who craft bespoke goods with love.

SCULPTURAL HAND-WOVEN JEWELRY

At this point in her career, master goldsmith Cheri Dunnigan, of Cheri Dunnigan Fine Jewelry, doesn’t work based on trends or to appease a client base. Instead, she follows her creative intuition and works with precious metals to create sculptural works. A jewelry designer since she was 15, Cheri ran an atelier in Massachusetts before migrating to Naples, where she sold her work at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples for seven years. Now, she crafts heirloom-worthy collections that nod to her Armenian heritage and interest in textile arts. The Renaissance and Elizabethan ages inspired her new, woven designs, made of strands of sterling silver and 18-karat gold. Using techniques gleaned from knitting and crocheting, Cheri creates intricate wearable art, embellished with saltwater and freshwater pearls. “I like that they have that gemlike quality without using gemstones or diamonds,” she says. “The way the light reflects off the metal becomes an important part of the design.” Cheri is represented by METHOD & CONCEPT in Naples. methodandconcept.com

HEIRLOOM FURNITURE

Punta Gorda-based Tanner J. Stevens sustainably harvests trees locally and from central California for his hardwood furnishings, done under his Peace River Woodworks moniker. From his shop along the banks of the Peace River, Tanner works mostly with maple and walnut to craft pieces, like his live-edge tables, which often feature food-grade epoxy inlays that recall Southwest Florida’s flowing waterways. He can add standout details to the designs, like gold flakes, pinecones, coffee beans or bullet casings. He works with California-based Flowyline Design for the sculptural, powder-coated legs that ground his coffee and dining tables. The pieces are made to last, so you can pass them down for generations. Tanner’s turnaround for most pieces is about four to eight weeks, and he offers free local delivery. 805-801-0128

GLASS PUTTERS

Bonita Springs-based Ray Mathews, Jr., of Art Glass by Mathews, crafts his putters with durable borosilicate glass, so they are not only fanciful but functional too, conforming to all United States Golf Association-mandated specs. Ray, a longtime glass artist, got the idea to make putters from his father, former Pittsburgh Steeler Ray Mathews. “Too bad you can’t make golf clubs out of glass,” his golfer father mused. Within days, Ray Jr. created the world’s first patented GlassPutter, drawing inspiration from the paperweights he’d long crafted. “The paperweight was like a mallet,” he says. “I just had to figure out how to insert the putter shaft.” Working out of his Naples studio, Ray rolls clear glass with colored chips, which are melted and hand-dropped into a mold for a smooth shape.. No two are the same. Delivery takes two-to-six weeks. glassputter.com

Johnson from Brillant Harvest LLC

WOODEN ELECTRIC GUITARS

Musicians swoon for the handcrafted electric guitars Naples’ Tyler MacDonald builds from sustainably sourced wood. A Marco Island native, the luthier hand-selects lumber with lots of natural striation to craft guitars that clearly reflect their source material. He’s meticulous throughout the process, carving the neck with rasps and files, and running truss and carbon fiber rods through the interior for a guitar that essentially “never goes out of tune,” he says. Each collection takes on a fresh life, with carved embellishments and prismatic shell inlays throughout the body and gold accents on the knobs and hardware. tylermac.com

Guess what day of the year we close our golf course?

The other 364 days you play when you want to play!

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chelsea to your times with us. “Best’ Naples course for the 5th year in a row by Gulfshore Life readers. Check us out. JoinEagleCreek.com

LIVE HERE. PLAY HERE.

MODERN TROPHIES

For a fishing memento that doesn’t require taxidermy, look to Fort Myers artist Samantha “Mokie” Hansen. The Mokie Burns founder used to be a designer at White House | Black Market until she discovered the art of pyrography, Greek for “writing with fire,” and traded her sewing machine for a soldering iron. A lifelong fisher, Samantha—who plans to open a Fort Myers shop early next year—burns nature scenes onto maple, poplar and olive planks. The originals become prints for naturalist totes, phone cases, bottle openers and decals. Her pièce de résistance: Mokie’s modern take on trophy mounts, with detailed replicas of your prized catches mounted on solid wood frames. “I’m a lady angler, I pull inspiration from myself and my excursions,” she says. mokieburns.com

LAST-FOREVER FISHING RODS

After breaking a $300 fishing rod more than a decade ago, Matt Sewell started crafting rods that stand the test of time. Through Sewell Rods, the Fort Myers-born hobby fisherman fashions fly, casting, spinning, trolling and kite rods, with mother-of-pearl or abalone inlays (get a suite with a bent-butt grouper stick, spiral-wrapped bottom jigging pole and a super-light carbon spinning rod to cover all your bases). Matt may spend up to a month talking to an angler to craft their ideal rod, with details like titanium guides and sturdy graphite seats, and his illustrious clientele includes country stars Luke Bryan and Brett Eldridge. Local anglers have hooked major catches on Sewell rods, too: One caught a 700-plus-pound marlin to win the Blue Marlin Grand Championship; another reeled a 124.18 record-sized grouper. “My niche is building rods for customers who fish for a living,” he says. “[I make] stuff that they can’t just buy.” 239-560-8252

With 40-beachfront acres and a prime location within Marsh Harbour, the iconic Abaco Beach Resort offers guests access to a variety of land- and water-based activities ranging from island-hopping, fishing, snorkeling, and diving to shopping and dining. The resort caters to families, couples, friends, and groups looking to escape the crowds of some of the larger islands while experiencing the relaxed hassle-free attitude that makes The Abacos so authentically unique.

By Lane Nieset — Photography by Brian Tietz

In Good Spirits

With its ancestral knowledge and strong creative energy, List Distillery in Fort Myers provides the perfect option for stocking your home bar or gifting a bespoke bottle this holiday season.

When husband-wife duo Thomas and Renate List left the restaurant industry in 2015, their next venture was obvious to them: to create a craft distillery. By com bining Renate’s family heritage and rec ipes—her family created spirits brands in Austria, and she learned the art of dis tilling from her uncle—and adding a local touch from Southwest Florida-sourced ingredients, the entrepreneurial couple debuted List Distillery in Fort Myers and launched Mr. Tom’s Spirits.

While the business has grown from producing around 20,000 bottles to 1 million a year, the distillery hasn’t lost its boutique feel. Three to four new products are launched annually, including sea sonal spirits like pumpkin latte liqueur and butterscotch bourbon. “Renate had the knowledge [for distilling], but we want to create nice local flavors, so we play around with different pairings when we cook,” says Thomas, who was born in Germany and raised in Leibnitz, Austria.

Founded by restaurant industry veterans, List Distillery produces Mr. Tom’s spirits, with gins, flavored whiskeys, rum and vodkas infused with local ingredients.

Thomas List started the Fort Myers distillery with his wife, Renate, who descends from a family of Austrian spiritmakers.

That’s two one-year subscriptions for the low price of $17! We’ll send a greeting card to announce your gift and their first issue of Gulfshore Life will arrive in time for the holidays! Order online at www.gulfshorelife.com/GIFT22.

The collection of vodka, whiskey, bour bon, rum and gin ranges from classic to more playful spirits, like Key lime pie rum and habanero-honey whiskey, made with locally sourced corn and orange blossom honey. The orange- and grapefruit-fla vored vodkas (odes to Florida’s mainstay fruits) are light and smooth and perfect to incorporate into a martini, while the rose pepper-honey gin, which uses fresh

Florida honey, is barrel-aged for six months for a subtle, oaky aroma that adds complexity. “We try and do everything in small batches with natural flavors,” Thomas says, adding that he traveled around the world to learn how to distill and blend. “We want to make clear, crisp spirits that are high-end.”

Keeping the business in the family, the couple enlisted their 23-year-old son as COO. The rest of the team largely com prises other young guns. “They’re very

“That’s how we get ideas for a lot of our flavors.”

The spirits are distilled in small batches and incorporate natural flavors, like the rose-pepper honey gin and Key lime pie rum.

Renate and Thomas also involved their 23-year-old son, Le Roy, (left) as COO. “They’re very creative, and this is where the spirit [of the company] comes from,” Thomas says, about his son and other young staffers.

Traci Long, PA-C

Cyndi Yag-Howard, MD, FAAD

List can also produce custom blends and bottles with personal engravings that make ideal gifts.

creative, and this is where the spirit [of the company] comes from,” Thomas says. “They bring good ideas to the table, and we try and make it happen.”

Some ideas may be off-the-wall flavors like peanut butter-banana cream liqueur, while others may be more design-driven, with wooden cork-topped glass bottles serving as a blank canvas for personaliza tion. While a bottle of wine or artisanal spirit makes for a great host or hostess gift, Mr. Tom’s plays on this classic concept with customized engraving that takes as little as one to three days,

1185 Third Street South • Naples, Florida • 239.643.8900 • www.uniqueboutiquej Monday thru Saturday 10-9pm Sunday 11-6pm Delray Beach, FL 561.272.6654 • Cape Cod, MA 508.477.3900

depending on whether you have a design in mind or want the team to create one for you.

If you desire a gift of more than a single bottle, you can create your own brand. Working alongside Thomas and Renate, dive into the process as a mas ter distiller of sorts to design a custom blend. “We’ve built the distillery from scratch; coming here is like a little Dis neyland for people who are into this,” Thomas says. “We handcraft everything and put a lot of love into our products. We’re proud of what we’re doing.”

The distillery produces Florida-inspired vodkas, with grapefruit and orange flavors.

HOME / Spaces, concepts and characters for inspired design

186 Stylish Living: Organic glamour in Estero 194 Favorite Things: Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang’s sculptural selects 200 Alfresco: A garden oasis in Naples

Dan Cutrona

Golden Child

Natural textures and glamorous accents shine in this Estero build, designed by Clive Daniel Home.

The design team said, ‘Let there be light,’ which is conve nient because, without it, we wouldn’t appreciate the new, 3,600-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom home of Ilene and Dennis Sardello at Shadow Wood Preserve in Estero.

Interior designers Rebekah Errett-Pikosky and Charlie Hansen of Clive Daniel Home created a space that is elegant yet laid-back (you feel like you can sit on the furniture without reprimand). Large swaths of Legno Bastone white oak flooring in a Lancaster finish, with some areas set in a herringbone pattern, add earthy warmth to the space and were a jumping-off point for the design. “I wanted a more minimalist look with clean, contem porary lines,” says Ilene, whose sophisticated lighting choices illuminate each room. “But when I saw that organic element, I knew I wanted to have both a little glam—with the elements of gold—and also the natural look.”

That aesthetic is exemplified in the kitchen, where the highgloss lacquered Sonoma oak upper cabinets are set against a geometric, laser-cut backsplash with gold inserts. “This really is one of the more unique kitchens,” Charlie says. Double islands

Home

Michael Korb

ARCHITECT: Nilles Design Group BUILDER: Frank R. Jenkins Custom Homes INTERIOR DESIGN: Rebekah Errett-Pikosky and Charlie Hansen of Clive Daniel Home PHOTOGRAPHY: Matt Steeves Photography

The Clive Daniel team blended minimalist design with organic materials and glimmering elements for a home that shines from every corner.

In the kitchen, high-gloss lacquered Sonoma oak upper cabinets are set against a geometric, lasercut backsplash with gold inserts and Perla Venata quartzite countertops.

feature beautiful Perla Venata quartzite countertops and matte taffeta gray cabinetry. Both have seating—a mix of backed brass counter stools and acrylic backless stools with brushed brass accents—upholstered in fabric with a hint of reflective thread.

The adjoining great room draws attention thanks to a dra matic media wall. A massive Calacatta Paloda marble surround houses a 74-inch linear fireplace, all resting under rift-cut white oak panels. Above, matching uplit, floating-wood beams cast a glow across the ceiling. A Thierry Vidé mesh ribbon chandelier

shines a warm light on a white Thayer Coggin semi-circle sofa with exaggerated acrylic skids. “The whole space plays beau tifully with the tonal monochromatic feel she was going for,” Rebekah says.

A visit to Cocoon Gallery on Naples’ Fifth Avenue South helped ground the dining room in natural elements. There, Ilene found a root ball base for the dining room table. (She also picked up a slab of petrified wood, believed to be between 1 and 4 million years old, which serves as the top of the desk in the home office.) The table is flanked by upholstered chairs with brass legs and set under a cluster of Michael Aram Cocoon pendant lights

with branch and gold leaf details. The metallic luster carries over to the John-Richard sideboard with hand-painted, ivory-andgold glass doors—the only piece the Sardellos brought from their Pittsburgh home. A gray mesh privacy curtain partially slides across the room to separate it from the adjacent kitchen during catered dinner parties.

The primary suite is an oasis, anchored by a curved bed from Swaim and a taupe grasscloth feature wall. A Regina Andrew bench in pleated cappuccino leather and a matching chair provide extra seating. Full-height acrylic legs support the nightstands and dresser, which skirt the edges of a custom Clive

Many of the accents were sourced from Naples’ Cocoon Gallery, grounding the contemporary space.

Shades of gray, taupe and gold harmonize throughout the home with varying textures, patterns and finishes.

Daniel Home wool-and-silk rug in a shimmering seed pattern. An equally-stunning ensuite features porcelain tile with a gold stripe in a chevron pattern.

When the Sardellos want some fresh air, the outdoor liv ing spaces beckon with a rare under-roof fire feature and an outdoor kitchen centered around an attention-grabbing table made of blue azure quartzite from UMI Stone. “It goes with the colors of the pool—there’s my splash of color,” Ilene says. “I absolutely love it, which is good because it’s permanent.”

Luxe Appeal

We’re tapping local design pros to share the global finds inspiring them. This month, Naples-based Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang, of West Bay Homes, shares her favorite discoveries from heritage maisons and contemporary design brands.

Home

Courtesy Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang, The Well Appointed House

Natural Woven Rattan Hanging Bed

Let your worries dissipate as you hop onto this swinging rattan lounger from The Well Appointed House. The piece allows you to take an instant vacation, Kelli says. Reminiscent of Bali’s swings, this hand-woven rendition stretches 70 inches wide, perfect for swaying under a banyan tree or a breezy spot among your stylish alfresco spaces.

wellappointedhouse.com

Fendi Roma Daybed

This geometric Fendi daybed is designed for expert-level lounging. “A chaise lounge adds such an inviting touch,” Kelli says. “The rounded curves and playful asymmetry add timeless postmod appeal.” Luxuriously soft and banded with brass details, the piece is done in collaboration with the Milan-based, avant-garde design group and furnituremaker Dimorestudio. The chaise is an update on Dimore’s design for Fendi Palazzo Privé, the brand’s VIP suite—an opulent, ‘70s-inspired, design-lovers paradise at its flagship in Rome.

fendicasa.com

Kingdom Chandelier Kelli is a big fan of lighting designer Lindsey Adelman. “Her material usage range and combinations, scale choices, and the organic multi-directional shapes impress a freedom that we could all use a good dose of,” Kelli says. She was delighted to come across this collaboration between Lindsey and Brooklyn-based designer Karl Zahn. Their 61-bulb Kingdom Chandelier is modeled after the burro’s tail succulent, with plump bulbs draped in a perfect arc—a reflection of our modern-day yearning for sleek elegance and the imperfect beauty of nature.

lindseyadelman.com

Courtesy Lindsey Adelman and Kristen Nix Interiors/Michael Hunter Photography

Home — Alfresco — By Paul Jebara

Wild Side

A minimalist home in North Naples opens up to a verdant ode to Caribbean landscaping.

“I don’t know how to put it in words, but I have a deep connection to this house,” Laura Martin says about her abode in Naples Park. “After all these years, I’m still in love with it—especially the beau tiful backyard.” Laura, a former flight attendant from Argentina, relocated from Miami to Naples three years ago with her commercial pilot husband and two chil dren. Miami’s notorious freneticism had become too overbearing for the young family, who looked to the Gulf Coast for a much-needed change of pace.

Homeowner Laura Martin fell in love with the contrast between the stark, minimalist interiors and the backyard’s lush greenery; she allows the foliage seen through the windows to act as the art for the home.

In Miami, the Martins lived in an extravagant 1920s Italianate villa in Coral Gables, but in Naples, they nabbed a whitewashed, metal-roofed bungalow. The home was more than an aesthetic foil to their previous residence; it was also nearly half the size. But downsizing wasn’t an issue for Laura—in fact, with her daughter heading off to college, it was partly an objective—as long as the new property possessed one non-negotiable feature: a veritable oasis of a backyard.

Occupying a south-facing double lot with ample sunlight, the 1,800-square-foot home was designed by New York City- and Stockholm-based architect Solveig Fern lund. Her affinity for clean Scandi min imalism has wooed clients such as Sofia Coppola (Solveig designed the Academy Award-winning filmmaker’s Napa Valley retreat). With industrial poured-concrete floors, stark white walls and ceilings that soar 12 feet high, the open-concept bunga low could be dropped into any cosmopol

The backyard is set for relaxation, with Zen features like wind chimes, Nepalese prayer flags and Buddha statues that remind Laura of her travels.

Dan Cutrona

After purchasing the property three years ago, Laura filled the garden and deck with potted herbs, flowers and foliage.

Dan Cutrona

The previous owner planted thatches of bamboo along the home’s perimeter to capture the soothing sound of the stalks swaying in the wind.

Dan Cutrona

Cathy is a 27-year resident of Naples specializing in luxury residential sales in Old Naples, Aqualane Shores, Park Shore, Moorings and Pelican Bay. Cathy grew up in Buffalo, New York, graduated from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, earned her law degree from the University of Buffalo and is a member of the New York and Florida Bar Associations.

itan hub and feel right at home. “Inside, it looks like a New York loft,” says Laura, who stripped away the previous owners’ ornamentation to restore the home to its blank-canvas feel. “I am a total minimalist and no longer like to hold onto material things.” The walls remain free of art; instead, large windows look out onto the masterfully landscaped backyard.

While the interiors recall New York City, the backyard channels Montego Bay. Impact-resistant glass sliding doors open onto a sprawling concrete patio, shaded by a wood-slatted pergola. The original homeowner, nostalgic for his childhood years spent in Jamaica, cre

Dan Cutrona

A water fountain at the end of the 62-foot, solar-heated lap pool adds to the ambiance.

ated his a mini-Antilles. He erected an 8-foot-tall concrete-block privacy wall; planted a wealth of tropical botanicals, like the Madagascar jasmine that climbs up the pergola’s wooden pillars; and installed lotus rain chains from the roof, which empty into colossal barrels.

It’s a Zen escape. “[The previous owner] told me he wanted to hear the bamboo sway in the wind,” Laura says of the thatches of the plant found along the garden’s perimeter. “I had no idea what he meant at the time, but I hear them now, and it’s just gorgeous.” Laura also put her green thumb to use, adding a smattering of large, herb- and flower-filled planters on the patio and grafting orchids to the trees in the back.

Then there’s the showstopper: a 62-foot solar-heated lap pool and water fountain surrounded by a border of pebbles. Laura ensured all the alfresco seating areas and nooks directly overlook the pool. She fur nished the porch with a set of teak chairs on one side and a wooden dining table with benches on the other. Toward the back of the garden, she placed a pair of sunbeds underneath a string of Nepalese prayer flags (a gift from her brother) and nestled a statue of Buddha in between. “It’s where I sit every morning—my favor ite place,” she reflects.

After flying the globe for a living, Laura feels she’s finally landed in the right place: “If I had the opportunity to build a house from scratch, I would have built it exactly like this.”

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Uncovering Recovery

Recovery fitness takes centerstage with a focus on strength, mobility and longevity.

Even those of us who are active can overlook the integral role stretching and mindful movement plays in our bodies. Who isn’t guilty of teeing off without rolling out the shoulders or leaving the gym without a cool-down?

But, as mounting research touts the benefits of stretching and mobility training, classes and gyms are popping up dedicated to the practices. Locally, studios like StretchLab, Healix Center and Theorem Fitness & Jiu Jitsu Club pri oritize stretching, mobility and recovery as crucial parts of a healthy lifestyle. “You don’t have to be a hardcore athlete to have the benefits of flexibility and have a better range of motion,” says Carolyn Peterson of StretchLab.

With locations in Estero and Naples— and one coming to Fort Myers in 2023—

StretchLab positions stretching as the holy grail of fitness. After all, for muscles to be strong and healthy, they must be limber. Think of your seatbelt and how it extends during a collision: Pull too hard and fast, and the strap locks up. Over time, the fabric can fray and rip. Your muscles function similarly; when tight, they can’t extend all the way, causing sharp pain when you swing a racket or even step off a curb. All age groups are susceptible to preventable, mobility-related issues, and the best way to curb pains is to go on the defensive, Carolyn says.

At StretchLab, she and her husband, Scott, focus on assisted stretching, in

which trained Flexologists help you get into and hold stretches. Their studio centers on the science-backed PNF (pro prioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) method, which involves stretching the muscle to its limit, then contracting for a few seconds. “When you contract the muscle while holding a stretch, the brain says, ‘It’s ok, I see you.’ And that signal tells the muscle to relax and allows you to stretch a little deeper,” she says.

Consistent stretch sessions, she prom ises, help elongate and strengthen mus cles, promoting flexibility and mobility and minimizing potential injury. Partici pants in their group classes (with no more than six people) range from child athletes to retirees. Those of us who sit at a desk for hours can especially benefit from stretching throughout the day. “There are certain things that you can do that are pretty basic,” Carolyn says, pointing to moves, like calf stretches, modified squats and hand clasps behind your back.

Assisted stretching, like at StretchLab and StretchZone in Naples, is gaining momentum for its ability to help people flex more consistently and safely and reach deeper postures. The Healix Cen ter in Naples, offers one-on-one, assisted stretching in private rooms (plus, medical massages are available to add on). For mer fitness competitor, Rebecca WhiteSteensma, founded Healix, where they offer FST (fascial stretch therapy), which targets the connective tissue around mus cles and joints. The personal trainer and fascial stretch therapist recommends the treatment for pre- and post-op patients, since stretching increases blood flow, which is key for recovery.

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Healthy Life — Fitness

While stretching is not reserved for athletes, naturally, a large sector of the local clientele involves golfers and pick leball and tennis players. To help improve their game, Rebecca recently added a Titleist Performance Institute-certified biomechanics specialist and performance coach to the team. “You can only do what you can recover from,” she says. Stretch Lab stocks Normatec compression equip ment, which uses air-filled sleeves to push lactic acid throughout the targeted area, reducing muscle aches.

And, it’s not just the physical body that benefits. Rebecca notes many clients who suffer from trauma experience emotional release. Your emotions are carried in your

Studios like StretchLab and Theorem Fitness & Jiu Jitsu Club offer classes dedicated to flexibility and range of motion.

fascia, so when the physical tightness lessens, the mind can let go, too, she says.

Hand-in-hand with stretching is mobility training, or range-of-motion workouts. “The better you move, the better you feel, and the better you per form,” says Dominick Nusdeu, owner of Bonita-based Theorem Fitness & Jiu Jitsu Club, which offers mobility classes. When range-of-motion for bigger mus cles is limited, assistance muscles, like your vulnerable lower back, have to pick up the slack. Mobility movements (think: lateral lunges, foam rolling, ankle rolls) combine flexibility, strength and balance to gain control of the muscles around your joints, so you can bend, swing, reach and jump with ease. The ACE-certified orthopedic exercise specialist offers 45-minute strength-and-mobility classes with movements for the whole body.

Further south, Naples Personal Train ing teaches the Kinstretch method, which melds stretching and mobility exercises for routines you can do on the go. In one-on-one sessions, trainers guide you through exercises (fire hydrants for the hips, shoulder rotations) that you can incorporate into your routine and do for a couple hours each week.

Regardless of your approach, all the pros agree: Mobility and stretching are for everyone and should be done consis tently—not just before or after a workout. That’s especially true if you want to pre vent injury or lessen those pesky pains that come with age. “It doesn’t matter your age, you can always improve your flexibility and range of motion ... that’s gonna help with everything in your dayto-day life,” Carolyn says.

HOPE & COURAGE

Flex Zone

At Naples’ Central Fitness, personal trainer Kyler Achenbach prioritizes heart-healthy workouts—and an immaculately clean gym.

The hardest part about working out is getting yourself to the gym. But meet ing charismatic personal trainer Kyler Achenbach is like taking a shot of espresso. The 31-year-old opened Cen tral Fitness in the Naples Design District last fall, five years after his dad suddenly passed away from heart disease at age 59. The preventable nature of his father’s death shaped Kyler’s approach to fitness. Rather than focusing on workout fads, he develops personalized programs that emphasize cardiovascular engagement and long-term fitness through strength training and cardio.

On a recent visit, staff rove around hit ting equipment with antibacterial wipes after each use. (Having opened during the pandemic, Central Fitness is dedicated to cleanliness, and the 1,000-square-foot space is equipped with two high-efficiency filtration and UV-C germicidal lamps.) After completing a health and aspirations

sheet to clarify my fitness goals, Kyler sets my regiment, incorporating TRX (total body resistance exercise) straps to build strength and balance; com pound exercises on a Smith machine to target large muscle groups; and isolated movements, like lat pull-downs, to target specific muscles. The hour-long sessions end with at least 15 minutes of cardio. Kyler says the combination of strength training and cardio helps with overall heart health.

Toward the end of the session, I find an easy rhythm on one of the gym’s indus try-leading Precor machines. The cables draw back so smoothly that it’s easy to lose count of reps.

Kyler reassures me he was keeping track and encourages me to continue as he distracts me with easy conversation during the most challenging parts. “I like to get to know my clients,” he says. “It’s the only way you can truly give them the results they want.”

Sorry won't cut it, anymore.

TASTE OF THE GULF / Flavors, philosophies and institutions shaping our culinary scene

Taste — Chef’s Table— By Jennifer V. Cole — Photography by Tina Sargeant

The World is Your Oyster

As the holidays approach, dive into the beautiful, briny world of bivalves at Coldwater Oyster Market in Fort Myers, where chef Adam Nardis celebrates life on the half shell.

From his perch behind the 13-seat wooden raw bar at Coldwater Oyster Market, Adam Nardis pops open bivalves with a flick of the wrist, while waxing poetic about the differences between varieties: The Sweet Petites from Martha’s Vineyard are firm and creamy with a high brine. The Saltgrass Points from Prince Edward Island are clean, crisp and have more min erality. His menu rotates through thirty some different oysters, all from cold water locales in the northeast and Pacific North west, and the descriptions read like a wine list. “I’m sort of the oyster sommelier,” Adam says with a laugh as he guides guests through his tasting notes. This is a man who knows a thing or three about oysters.

Adam and his wife opened Coldwater in Fort Myers last year. From the wide open space with 40-foot ceilings and garage doors, they sell a selection of perfectly sourced seafood in their restaurant and attached market, from Dungeness crab to live Maine lobsters to clam chowder. But the heart of the operation is the boutique oyster program. They go through more than 3,500 bivalves a week. “I encourage people to sit there and engage while we shuck, to ask questions,” Adam says. “Eating oysters should be communal.” He subscribes to this mentality so much that when people are dining in pairs, he encourages them to order at least two of each variety they choose so that both peo

ple are able to taste and compare notes. Often, he’ll pop one open for himself to eat with them.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Adam was baptized with Gulf seafood when he moved to Naples and began working at Maxwell’s on the Bay (now called M Waterfront Grille) before the holidays in 2005. The owners had a sister prop erty on Block Island, Rhode Island, and asked Adam to be their executive chef in the summer of 2008. That’s when he fell in love with seafood from the coldest and deepest parts of the sea. Cold water slows the animal’s metabolism, which translates to crisper, sweeter oysters— because they grow more slowly and take

At Coldwater, chef-owner Adam Nardis approaches oysters like sommeliers approach wine, focusing on merroir and educating guests about the varying qualities of the bivalves.

in more minerals and nutrients over the years—and fattier fish rich in Omega-3. For Adam, it just tastes better.

The wine metaphor for his approach to oysters isn’t off base. Much like wine has terroir, oysters have what is termed merroir. All up and down eastern North America, from northern Canada to the mouth of the Mississippi River, oys ters are the same variety: Crassostrea virginica. The different names you see on menus simply refer to where they were harvested—where an oyster grows directly impacts its flavor. The tempera ture of the water, its salinity, the compo sition of the sea floors and banks—sandy, rocky, muddy—all contribute to the taste. “If you grew a cabernet grape in Califor nia versus in someone’s backyard in New York, you’d essentially have the same grape but a very different flavor,” Adam says. “Oysters are the same.”

These shellfish are filter feeders, mean ing they take their surrounding water and purify it. One single oyster can filter 50 gallons of water a day. Put that in terms of a massive oyster bed or farm where there are 750,000 oysters per acre—they are crucial for filtering and cleaning our water on a daily basis. They keep the seas clear, letting sunlight pass and allowing seagrasses to grow, providing food and protection for fish. “Oysters are ground zero on the chain of life,” Adam says.

So, he’s doing everything he can to support oyster farmers. “Oyster aqua culture is an absolute labor of love. In my research, people don’t dream of growing up and farming oysters. They get into it because their family did it. Oysters are

Adam, who cut his teeth working in some of Naples’ finest restaurants, is obsessive about oysters from deep, cold-water regions. He hosts Go Shuck Yourself classes, along with offering fresh catches at the in-house seafood market.

The Fort Myers restaurant maintains a rotating list of about 30 oysters, along with other seafood and mainland favorites, and outstanding cocktails.

a culture-rich food, like barbecue, pizza and pasta-making,” he says.

And now that the traditions of the hol idays are upon us, it’s the perfect time to celebrate with a dozen on the half shell. You’ve heard the adage: only eat oysters in months with an ‘r’ in the name. This rule of thumb dates back 4,000 years, primarily because summer oysters tend to be more watery (thus less flavorful), they spawn in the summer (and need a few months to break from harvest to sus tain the population) and warmer temps (before reliable refrigeration) raise the risk of food poisoning. In winter, they hibernate. Before they do, they gorge on phytoplankton to load their system with glycogen, a type of sugar used as energy to get them through the winter months.

the patties get a

oysters.

By late December and early January, they’ve entered full hibernation stage but haven’t yet tapped into their glycogen supply, so they are at their plumpest and most flavorful. There couldn’t be a better time to pop a bottle of bubbles alongside a platter of these briny jewels.

Adam suggests diners try drinks that complement the oysters rather than mimic their flavors. No dirty martinis, please. Sparkling wine hits perfectly: it’s crisp and clean, and the effervescence cleans up the brine on your palate. His personal favorite? Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs from California, a white sparkling wine made from a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. Beer’s carbonation achieves a similar effect; they have 44 beer taps at the restaurant.

The ultimate oyster proselytizer, Adam encourages people to bring oysters home for their celebrations. If you buy from him, he needs 12 hours’ advance notice on your order if the product is not stocked. Adam or his chef de cuisine, Dustin Laugherty, will pack you a selection of the best oys ters you can buy in the area. When you’re buying oysters, smell them to ensure there’s no off odor. The oyster should also be fully closed and have a uniform shape, although not all varieties are uniform. “If you bang two of the shells together, they should sound like rocks. You don’t want a hollow sound, which means one or both are dead. If it sounds like rocks, it’s alive and full of liquor,” he advises.

With proper storage, live oysters will keep up to two weeks, so you can easily

plan ahead for your festivities. For best results, store them on ice in the fridge with drainage underneath. In a pinch, an unsealed Tupperware container will do the trick. “The oyster will let you know if it’s not wanting to be eaten,” he says. The smell is unmistakable if it’s gone bad. “A good oyster shucker runs every oyster by their nose before they shuck, just to be sure it’s OK.”

Of course, then you have to get into them. Adam offers small-group classes called Go Shuck Yourself, which include a dozen oysters and your own oyster knife to take home. Or just buy an oyster knife from their market and belly up to the bar for on-the-fly instruction. They’re always willing to bring more people into the oyster fold.

Even

briny twist, as seen in the Carpetbagger Burger topped with fried

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 otherwise specified. Please email diningout@gulfshorelife.com to report changes in a restaurant’s location, prices or menu.

A

Table Apart in Bonita Springs plates cuisines from across the globe, including Thai-style fried calamari and cajun pan-seared scallops.

Ex pe ri e nce It a l y

Italy is closer than you think when you visit Angelina’s Ristorante. Enjoy exemplary service in a luxurious atmosphere, food made with top-of-the-line ingredients from a scratch kitchen, craft cocktails, and an extensive wine list with bottles imported directly from Italy.

MARCO ISLAND

Ario 400 S. Collier Blvd., 6422695. arioatjwmarco.com

At the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Ario has striking Gulf views, ele vated culinary offerings and an impressive bar program. $$$$ STEAK o v w

The Oyster Society 599 S. Collier Blvd., 3943474. theoystersociety.com. At this chic locale, the raw bar has more than eight oys ter selections daily, as well as sushi and fresh catches.

$$$$ SEAFOOD o p

Sale e Pepe 480 S. Collier Blvd., 3931600. sale-e-pepe.com. A gem with Italian dishes, a formidable wine cellar and a waterfront patio in the Marco Beach Ocean Resort. $$$$ ITALIAN o p v w

NAPLES

THIRD STREET SOUTH Barbatella 1290 Third St. S., 263-1955. barbatellanaples.com Casual Italian cuisine from the team behind Sea Salt. Meet up at the trendy wine bar or on the relaxed patio.

$$$ ITALIAN b o p

The Bevy 360 12th Ave. S., 228-4220. naplesbevy.com. Enjoy craft cocktails and varied influ ences at this locale off Third Street. The open-air setup with a retractable roof is nothing short of grand. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p

Campiello/ The Club Room

1177 Third St. S., 435-1166. campiellonaples.com. A favorite for its contemporary Italian cuisine and courtyard. During season, The Club Room, a restaurant within, has its own menu and live music most nights. $$$$ ITALIAN o p v

D’Amico’s

The Continental 1205 Third St. S., 659-0007. damicoscontinental.com. Ex perience top-quality cuts of steak from all over, enhanced by stylish modern decor, private cabanas and a cock tail lab. Closed until further notice. $$$$ STEAK o p

Jane’s Cafe on 3rd 1209 Third St. S., 261-2253. janesgardencafe.com. Come for the lobster Benedict and stuffed French toast; stay to sit around the lovely koi fountain on the sunny patio.

$$ CAFE b o p v

Ridgway Bar & Grill

1300 Third St. S., 262-5500. ridgwaybarandgrill.com. A quintessential Old Naples restaurant with creative American fare. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p v

Sea Salt 1186 Third St. S., 434-7258. seasaltnaples.com. Loved for its sophisticated seafood and its accompaniments. Attend monthly wine dinners and other events $$$$ SEAFOOD o p v

FIFTH AVENUE SOUTH

Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro* 865 Fifth Ave. S., 594-5557. bhabhabistro.com. Iranianborn chef Michael Mir serves the flavors of his homeland in this jewel box of a dining room known for its indulgent fare. Closed until further notice. $$$$ MIDDLE EASTERN o p

Bistro 821 821 Fifth Ave. S., 261-5821. bistro821.com. You’ll love the open kitchen and menu filled with creativity, including its own Original Neapolitan pasta and seafood dish.

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p

Chops City Grill

837 Fifth Ave. S., 262-4677. chopscitygrill.com. An elegant, baroque-inspired steakhouse. $$$$ STEAK o p

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. $$$$ MEDITERRANEAN b o p

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 atmos phere. $$$ FRENCH b o p

Hobnob Kitchen & Bar

720 Fifth Ave. S., Unit 101, 580-0070. hobnobnaples.com. Updated takes on American cuisine in a cool, contemporary dining room. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p

Ichi Togarashi

800 Fifth Ave. S., Unit 102, 228-5945. togarashinaples. com. This small restaurant has quickly become a favorite for its authentic takes on dim sum, seafood and 20 types of ramen. $$$$ ASIAN

Ocean Prime 699 Fifth Ave. S., 430-0404. ocean-prime.com. National restaurateur Cameron Mitchell presents surf and turf, an elegant dining room and highly attentive service.

$$$$ MODERN AMERICAN v

Osteria Tulia/Bar Tulia 466 Fifth Ave. S., 213-2073. osteriatulia.com. Go for Sicilian-inspired fare in a rustic-chic setting or craft cocktails at the Bar Tulia gastropub. $$$ ITALIAN o p

Pazzo! Cucina Italiana 853 Fifth Ave. S., 434-8494. pazzoitaliancafe.com. Beautiful presentations and twists on Italian favorites. Closed until further notice.

$$$$ ITALIAN o p

Pizzata

Pizza + Aperitivo

1201 Piper Blvd., 631-1021. pizzatanaples.com. The lauded Philly pizzeria lands in Naples with its famed sourdough pizza and Italian bites. $$$ ITALIAN o p

Sails Restaurant 301 Fifth Ave. S., 360-2000. sailsrestaurants.com. This establishment with a raw bar has a weekend Champagne brunch that’s a refined destination. $$$$ SEAFOOD b o p v

Sushi Thai Downtown 898 Fifth Ave., 430-7575. su shithaidowntown.com. With multiple locations throughout Collier and Lee Counties, this spot has a large selection of sushi and Thai dishes. $$$ ASIAN o p

Truluck’s 698 Fourth Ave. S., 530-3131. trulucks.com. The fine-dining locale touts seafood from the Gulf and beyond.

$$$$ SEAFOOD v

Veranda E 290 Fifth Ave. S., 659-3466. hotelescalante.com. A courtyard setting and menu with Asian and French influences in the Hotel Escalante. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p

The Vine Room 465 Fifth Ave. S., 316-1202. vineroom.com. Behind an ivy-shrouded door, this cocktail lounge crafts drinks with flair to pair with elevated small plates.

$$$$ COCKTAIL LOUNGE

Sails Restaurant , on Fifth Avenue South in Naples, offers plush interiors where guests can indulge in seafood towers, handmade pastas and quality cuts.

Yabba Island Grill

711 Fifth Ave. S., 262-5787. yabbaislandgrill.com. Enjoy surf and turf, and seasonal stone crab on the patio.

$$$ SEAFOOD o

DOWNTOWN NAPLES

The Claw Bar

221 Ninth St. S., 231-3912. theclawbar.com. Southern charm, the best oysters and exquisite seafood are served inside the Bellasera Resort. $$$$ SEAFOOD b o v

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 dishes. $$$ ITALIAN o p

La Colmar Bakery & Bistro

80 Tamiami Trail N., 3154303. lacolmar.com. Here, you’ll find some of Naples’ top bread and pastries, plus sandwiches and salads.

$$$$ BAKERY o p

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.

$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p

Nosh on Naples Bay 1490 Fifth Ave. S., 384-9208. noshonnaplesbay.com. Chef Todd Johnson crafts a menu of haute small plates. Closed until further notice.

$$$$ ECLECTIC o p v w

The Rooster Food + Drink

600 Goodlette-Frank Road N., Unit #101, 228-5973. theroos ternaples.com. A breakfast and lunch spot for comfort fare, with dinner Wednesday through Friday in season.

$$ AMERICAN b o p

Seventh South Craft Food + Drink 849 Seventh Ave. S., 231-4553. seventhsouth.com. One of Naples’ best; food and drink earn equal acclaim.

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o p

BAYFRONT

Industry Beer & BBQ 449 Bayfront Place, 331-4160. industrybeerandbbq.com. The team behind LowBrow Pizza & Beer takes on slowsmoked ‘cue and craft beers.

$$ BARBECUE o p

CRAYTON COVE

Bleu Provence

1234 Eighth St. S., 261-8239. bleuprovencenaples.com. Channel the south of France with the food and select from Naples’ only Grand Award-winning wine list. $$$$ FRENCH o p v

Chez Boët

755 12th Ave. S., 643-6177. chezboetnaples.com French staples, plus an impressive Scotch list. $$$$ FRENCH o p

The Dock at Crayton Cove 845 12th Ave. S., 263-9940. dockcraytoncove.com. This laid-back spot serves Florida seafood on Naples Bay. Closed until further notice. $$$ SEAFOOD o p w

EAST NAPLES

21 Spices by Chef Asif 4270 Tamiami Trail E., #21, 919-8830. 21spicesdining. com. Authentic cuisine from an award-winning chef. $$$ INDIAN o p

Celebration Park 2880 Becca Ave., 316-7253. celebrationparknaples.com. From the owner of Three60 Market, this waterfront food truck park has a lively bar scene and boat-up slips. $$ ECLECTIC o p w

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 p

Lima Restaurant 5047 Tamiami Trail E., 280-0167. lima-restaurant.com. Authentic Peruvian cuisine and a wide selection of pisco are the calling cards.

$$ PERUVIAN o

LowBrow Pizza & Beer 3148 Tamiami Trail E., 529-6919. lowbrowpizzaand beer.com. Creative wood-fired pies are served with craft brews in a fun, art-filled space.

$$ ITALIAN o p

Rumba Cuban Café 1265 Airport-Pulling Road S., 659-2996. rumbacubancafe. com. Classic Cuban cuisine with fun twists and attentive service. $$$ LATIN AMERICAN o p

Tacos & Tequila Cantina 4834 Davis Blvd., 732-8226. tacosandtequilanaples.com. Tacos with lots of clever spins, plus margaritas aplenty. $$ MEXICAN o p

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 o p w

MIDTOWN

Alexander’s Garden Restaurant

4077 Tamiami Trail N., 262-4999. alexandersnaples. com. The menus are filled with

seafood and flavors from around the world, presented in a modern cafe and lush garden atmosphere.

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p

Andre’s Steakhouse

2800 Tamiami Trail N., 263-5851. andressteakhouse. com. If you’re a fan of New York’s iconic Peter Luger chophouse, opt for this tiny joint founded by one of its former chefs. $$$$ STEAK o

Café Nutrients

3080 Tamiami Trail N., 919-8732. cafenutrients. com. At this organic, plantbased cafe, owner Ming Yee sources ingredients from local farms and producers. $$$ VEGAN b o p

Cibao Grille 814 Neapolitan Way, 434-6653. cibaogrille.com. Dishes from the owners’ native Dominican Republic mix with American classics. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p

Dorona 2110 Tamiami Trail N., 529-2819. doronanaples.com. The Aielli’s chic steakhouse has a diverse menu, with seafood, pasta and prime cuts. $$$$ STEAK o p

Escargot 41 4351 Tamiami Trail N., 793-5000. escargot41.com.

This traditional spot features a page of escargot specials alone. $$$ FRENCH o p

Fernández the Bull

3375 Pine Ridge Road, #101, 653-9097. fernandezthebull. com. Expect authentic Cuban dishes, like picadillo a la criolla and ropa vieja. $$ LATIN AMERICAN o p

Food & Thought 2132 Tamiami Trail N., 2132222. foodandthought.com. An organic grocer and cafe with raw and vegan options. $ CAFE o p

Fujiyama 2555 Tamiami Trail N., 2614332. naplesfujiyama.com. Japanese master chefs pre pare dinners with flair at your hibachi table. $$$ ASIAN

FUSE Global Cuisine/ FUSE BBQ 2500 Tamiami Trail N. #114, 455-4585. fuseglobalcuisine. com. Cuisines from around the world at fine-dining FUSE; stellar barbecue next door. $$$ ECLECTIC o p

Harold’s Place

2555 Tamiami Trail N., 263-7254. naplesharolds place.com. This chickee bar serves a winning charbroiled burger. $ AMERICAN o

At 21 Spices by Chef Asif , bartenders draw from the restaurant’s Indian heritage for inspired cocktails, like the Zaffran with high-dollar saffron.

Brian Tietz

Hogfish Harry’s 600 Neapolitan Way, 776-7623. hogfishharrys. com. The menu follows a commitment to sourcing 90 percent of its seafood from local fishers. $$$ SEAFOOD o p

Hyde N Chic 923 Creech Road, 404-3065. hydenchicrestaurant.com

In his artfully appointed dining room, chef Andy Hyde guides you through inspired tasting menus from Africa, Europe and the Americas. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN

Jimmy P’s Charred 1833 Tamiami Trail N., 643-2427. jimmypscharred.com. A casual steakhouse special izing in Wagyu beef from Naples’ longtime trusted butcher. $$$$ STEAK o p

Komoon Thai Sushi & Ceviche 1575 Pine Ridge Road, #9, 234-2442. komoonthai.com. A fun mix of Thai, Japanese and Peruvian fare in a con temporary locale that often hosts live music.

$$ ASIAN

Lamoraga Restaurant 3936 Tamiami Trail N., 331-3669. lamoragarestaurant.com. Contemporary upscale twists on Spanish dishes, plus inventive vegan fare. $$$$ SPANISH o p v

Le Indya 975 Pine Ridge Road, 591-5156. leindya.com. The authentic cuisine includes plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes. $$ INDIAN

The Local* 5323 Airport-Pulling Road, 596-3276. thelocalnaples. com. A farm-to-table restaurant with locally sourced, healthy cuisine. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o p

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 o p

Moura Bistro 3369 Pine Ridge Road, 738-8883. mourabistro.com.

A tiny spot with flavorful Lebanese fare, like falafel, tabbouleh and shawarma. $$$ MIDDLE EASTERN o p

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 & Fish Market 3741 Tamiami Trail N., 403-7000. swanriversea food.com. Find Cape Cod-

style seafood and a market with fresh catches, wine and more. $$$ SEAFOOD o p

USS Nemo 3745 Tamiami Trail N., 261-6366. ussnemorestau rant.com. Masterful crea tions using fresh seafood from a classically trained chef. $$$ SEAFOOD o Ziggy D’Amico’s Whiskey Bar & Diner 4691 Ninth St. N., 4300955. ziggydamicos.com. This D’Amico & Partners spot has an emphasis on whiskey. $$ AMERICAN b o p

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 o p w

MiraMare Ristorante 4236 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., 430-6273. miramarenaples. com. Enjoy classic Italian fare on the waterfront patio overlooking Venetian Bay. $$$ ITALIAN o w

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 waterfront terrace. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o p v w

T-Michaels Steak & Lobster House

4050 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., 261-0622. t-michaels.com. Steakhouse dining on the water, featuring USDA Prime meats and Maine lobster.

$$$$ STEAK v w

WATERSIDE SHOPS

True Food Kitchen 5375 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 15, 431-4580. truefoodkitchen.com. The menu caters to flexitarians but has plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. $$$ CAFE b o p

NORTH NAPLES

BALEEN

9891 Gulf Shore Drive, 5985707. laplayaresort.com. A wraparound terrace sets the stage for creative cuisine at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. Closed until further notice. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o v w

The Bay House*

799 Walkerbilt Road, 5913837. bayhousenaples.com. Southern-inspired menus and a raw bar star in the spot

Taste of the Gulf — Dining Guide

with panoramic mangrove and water views. $$$$ SEAFOOD o v w

Black Forest Restaurant 2366 Immokalee Road, 5924784. blackforestnaples. com. Here, you’ll find classic German and Austrian fare like traditional sauerbraten. $$$ EUROPEAN

Bone Hook Brewing Co. 1514 Immokalee Road, 631-8522. bonehookbrew ing.com. This microbrewery has a taproom with a full kitchen. $$ BAR BITES o p

Café Gourmand 9853 Tamiami Trail N., 260-7109. cafegourmand. net. Here, find crepes by day and formal dinner service by night. $$ FRENCH o p

Côte d’Azur 11224 Tamiami Trail N., 5978867. cotedazurrestaurant. com. Old World French cuisine, from filet mignon to quail, in a cozy Provençal setting. $$$$ FRENCH

The Crust 8004 Trail Blvd., 244-8488. thecrustpizza.net. This sports bar is one of the area’s most popular pizza joints. $$ ITALIAN

Deep Lagoon Seafood & Fish Market* 8777 Tamiami Trail N., 8803337. deeplagoon.com. The family behind Pinchers

owns this popular eatery. $$$ SEAFOOD o p Dusk

280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, 598-6644. ritzcarlton.com. This stylish sushi lounge in The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, has a patio overlooking the Gulf. Closed until further notice. $$$$ ASIAN o p v

Fernández the Bull

1201 Piper Blvd., Unit #10, 254-9855. fernandezthebull. com. Authentic Cuban dishes and daily happy hour. $$ LATIN AMERICAN o p

Grain De Café 8803 Tamiami Trail N., 5948081. frenchcafenaples.com. The wait is worth it for the pain au chocolat, quiches and crepes. $$ FRENCH b o

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. Closed until further notice. $$$$ STEAK v

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. $$$$ AMERICAN o p

Komoon Thai Sushi & Ceviche

1514 Immokalee Road, 234-2442. komoonthai.com. A fun mix of Thai, Japanese and Peruvian fare in a con temporary locale that often hosts live music. $$ ASIAN o p Namba 8847 Tamiami Trail N., 592-4992. nambanaples. com. The Japanese menu is limited to a remarkable selection of ramen, sushi and small plates. $$$ ASIAN

New York Pizza & Pasta* 11140 Tamiami Trail N., 594-3500; 8855 Immokalee Road, 597-3800. nypp.com. Go here for hand-tossed pies and classic Italian fare. $$ ITALIAN o p

Parmesan Pete’s 7935 Airport-Pulling Road, 992-3663. parmesanpetes. com. Order huge portions of Parmesans, meatballs and lasagna. $$$ ITALIAN o p

Two Fillets* 10395 Tamiami Trail N., 788-0222. twofillets.com. The latest surf-and-turf restaurant and market from the folks behind Pinchers and Deep Lagoon. $$$ AMERICAN o p

Zen Asian BBQ 10823 Tamiami Trail N., 260-7037. eatatzen.com. A pan-Asian joint with fresh

sushi, ramen, bar bites and Korean barbecue. $$$ ASIAN o p

MERCATO Bar Tulia 9118 Strada Place, #8150, 438-1031. bartulia.com. The second location of this Italian gastropub features expertly crafted cocktails. $$$ ITALIAN b o p

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 b o p

Rocco’s Tacos 9123 Strada Place, 500-8226. roccostacos.com. Go for the roughly 500 selections of tequila and mezcal. $$$ MEXICAN o p

THE PAVILION

KC American Bistro 885 Vanderbilt Beach Road, 566-2371. kcamericanbistro. com. Seasonal, American cui sine from chef Keith Casey. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p v

Tacos & Tequila Cantina 8971 Tamiami Trail N., 254-8226. tacosandtequila naples.com. Inventive tacos and margaritas. $$ MEXICAN o p

GALLERIA SHOPPES AT VANDERBILT

Alpine Restaurant 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, 325-9499. alpineofnaples. com. Expect the best of Ger man, Slovak, Czech, Polish and Hungarian cuisines. $$$ EASTERN EUROPEAN b o p

The Cave Bistro & Wine Bar

2343 Vanderbilt Beach Road, 513-0095. thecavenaples. com. An ode to Burgundy’s cellars, complete with small plates. $$$ WINE BAR o p

Mister O1

Extraordinary Pizza 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, 631-6844. mistero1.com. Extraordinary isn’t hyperbo le; try the star-shaped pizza with ricotta-stuffed crust for proof. $$ ITALIAN o p

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 p

BONITA SPRINGS

Angelina’s Ristorante* 24041 S. Tamiami Trail, 390-3187. angelinasofbon itasprings.com. This fine Italian restaurant has plush banquettes, live piano music

and an award-winning wine list. $$$$ ITALIAN v

The Bohemian 27975 Old 41 Road, 4519619. thebohemianbonita. com. From the team behind Downtown Coffee and Wine, enjoy a globally inspired menu and low-ABV cock tails. $$$$ ECLECTIC o

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 o p

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. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p

Coconut Jack’s Waterfront Grille 5370 Bonita Beach Road, 676-7777. coconutjacks.com. A perfect stop for quick bites with water views. Closed until further notice. $$$ SEAFOOD o p v w

Bonita Springs’ El Basque Vin & Pintxo Bar reflects the flavors of Spain’s gastronomic capital.

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 o p

Downtown Coffee & Wine Company 27546 Old 41, 272-6068. downtowncoffeeandwine company.com. Light bites accompany specialty coffee and more than a dozen wines by the glass. Don’t miss Champagne and oyster popup nights. $ CAFE o p

El Basque Vin & Pintxo Bar

25245 Chamber of Com merce Drive, 301-4973. elbasque.com. Spanish and French influences merge at this tapas-style Basque wine bar. $$$ BASQUE o

Figs Grille 25987 S. Tamiami Trail #109, 390-1700. figsgrille.com. Find a refreshing fusion of Spanish, Turkish, Moroc can, Lebanese and French cuisines. $$$ MEDITERRANEAN o p

Jimmy P’s Charred 25301 Tamiami Trail S., 390-0301. jimmypssteaks. com. The trusted butcher serves superior meats and shareable plates.

$$$$ STEAK

Komoon Thai Sushi & Ceviche 3300 Bonita Beach Road, 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, Suite #9, 221-7016. lapascr.com. A reliable spot for authentic plates such as arroz con pollo, gallos and tostadas.

$$ LATIN AMERICAN

Olde Florida Chop House 3401 Bay Commons Drive, 948-4400. oldefloridachophouse.com. Waterfront dining serving Florida-style dishes. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o w

The Other Side Bistro 24630 S. Tamiami Trail, 992-7433. othersidebistro. com. Chef Brian McCarley serves comfort dishes with a modern flair.

$$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p

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

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 influenc es from the Pacific Rim and beyond. $$$ ECLECTIC

Wylds Café

4271 Bonita Beach Road, 947-0408. wyldscafe.com. Three chefs join forces for a fine-dining experience. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p

ESTERO

Divieto Ristorante 23161 Village Shops Way, #101, 390-2977. divietoris torante.com. Its famous fet tuccine Alfredo is prepared in a hollowed-out Parmesan wheel. $$$ ITALIAN o p v

El Nido 23161 Village Shops Way, SUITE #113 319-1900. elnidoeats.com. A contem porary joint that uses local ingredients for house-made sauces and a modern spin on Latin dishes like arepas and tacos. $$ MEXICAN o p

The Saloon

23151 Village Shops Way, 949-2583. thesaloon.net. A taste of Old West Amer icana, with grilled steaks,

barbecue, classic sides and original cocktails.

$$$ AMERICAN o p Tacos & Tequila Cantina 10952 Eagle Village Drive, 330-8226. tacosandtequi lanaples.com. Tacos with clever spins, plus margaritas.

$$ MEXICAN o p

FORT MYERS

SOUTH FORT MYERS

Artisan Eatery

8951 Daniels Parkway, 887-4844. artisaneatery. com. Look for outstanding specials at this stamp-size local favorite.

$$ MODERN AMERICAN

Coldwater Oyster Market 5611 Six Mile Commercial Court, 220-5918. coldwa teroystermarket.com. Coldwater seafood from the North Atlantic and Pacific Northwest. $$$ SEAFOOD o p

Ember 7091 College Parkway, #9, 771-8818. emberfortmyers. com. A gem with tabletop barbecue, fusion dishes and sushi. $$$ ASIAN

Fancy’s Southern Café 8890 Salrose Lane, #101, 561-2988. fancyssouthernca fe.com. Southern favorites in a casual atmosphere.

$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o p

Harold’s 15250 S. Tamiami Trail, 8490622. haroldscuisine.com. Chef Harold Balink recently expanded his cozy, farm-totable bistro.

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

La Trattoria Café Napoli 12377 S. Cleveland Ave., 931-0050. latrattoria cafenapoli.com. Known for paella, this Spanish restau rant also features a variety of tapas and seafood.

$$$ MEDITERRANEAN

Liberty 12995 S. Cleveland Ave., #112, 689-5528. eatliberty.us Chef Bob Boye’s dinner-only

gem features artfully present ed progressive menus.

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

Osteria Celli 15880 Summerlin Road, #308, 267-1310. osteriacelli.com. Fresh pasta is a highlight.

$$$ ITALIAN

The Saucy Meatball 12401 Commerce Lakes Drive, 800-7172. saucymeatball.com. An industrial-chic pizzeria with crave-worthy entrees.

$$ ITALIAN

Viet Village 16571 S. Tamiami Trail, 2088368 This authentic spot is fa

mous for its rare-beef pho and rice specials cooked in a clay pot. $$ ASIAN

BELL TOWER SHOPS

DaRuMa Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Lounge* 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., 344-0037. darumarestau rant.com. Here, the focus is on Teppan-style tableside cooking, tempura and sushi. $$$$ ASIAN o p

CENTRAL FORT MYERS

El Gaucho Inca

4383 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, 275-7504; 22909 Lyden Drive, Estero, 494-1564. elgauchoinca.com. A mix of Argentinian and Peruvian dishes. $$ LATIN AMERICAN o p

Ginger Bistro 4650 Cleveland Ave., #8, 689-3113. gingerbistrousa. com. The traditional dim sum and Cantonese barbecue are highlights. $$ ASIAN

KJ’s Steakhouse 10950 S. Cleveland Ave., 275-

4745. kjsfreshgrill.com. They pride themselves on aging and searing.

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

MCGREGOR CORRIDOR

Azure 15301 McGregor Blvd., 288-4296. azurefortmyers. com. Chef Joe Pittman ex cels at modernized French classics with Southern flair.

$$$ FRENCH o Blanc 13451 McGregor Blvd., 8873139. blancentertainment. com. Chef Jean Claude

Rogé’s restaurant mixes glob al flavors. $$ FRENCH

Cibo 12901 McGregor Blvd., #5, 454-3700. cibofortmyers.com. This Italian spot serves stellar food and wines.

$$$ ITALIAN p Crave Restaurant 12901 McGregor Blvd., 4664663. cravemenu.com. This spot serves comfort food made from scratch.

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House* 14040 McGregor Blvd., 689-5474. deeplagoon. com. A waterfront spot with a raw bar.

$$$ SEAFOOD o v w

Roadhouse Café 15660 San Carlos Blvd., 415-4375. roadhousecafefl. com. Try a wide range of dishes (including steak).

$$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS

Bullig Coffee & Bites

1815 Fowler St., 738-8582. Pair espresso drinks with savory or sweet waffles. $ CAFE b o p

Izzy’s Fish & Oyster 2282 First St., 337-4999. izzys ftmyers.com. A raw bar with New England-style seafood. $$$ SEAFOOD o p v

King’s Kitchen* 2150 W. First St., 208-8518. kingskitchenandbar.com. Go for the warehouse vibe, beer

The Silver King Ocean Brasserie in downtown Fort

Myers offers a prix fixe menu of surf-and-turf dishes and an extensive wine list.

garden and global com forts. $$ ECLECTIC b o

The Silver King Ocean Brasserie* 2200 Edwards Drive, (833) 918-1512. luminaryhotel. com. Inside the Luminary Hotel & Co., this restaurant serves fine coastal cuisine. The hotel also houses river front Oxbow Bar & Grill and the rooftop Beacon Social Drinkery. $$$$ SEAFOOD o p v w

The Standard Restaurant 1520 Broadway, 219-6463. thestandardftmyers.com. From-scratch eats and craft cocktails—served in a convivial atmosphere. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o p

Twisted Vine Bistro 2214 Bay St., 226-1687. twist edvinebistro.com. Go for the extensive wine list. The Barrel Room next door stocks rare whiskeys and plays live blues. Closed until further notice. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o p

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 o p v

SANIBEL ISLAND

Note: Many restaurants on Sanibel and Captiva were heavily damaged. Call for the latest information.

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. Closed until further notice. $$$$ FRENCH o Cielo 1244 Periwinkle Way, 472-5555. cielo-sanibel. com. Elevated island fare. Closed until further notice. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o v

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

Multiple locations throughout Lee County. docfords.com. Go for the seafood, mojitos and its namesake rum bar. Closed

until further notice. $$$ SEAFOOD o p w

MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, 4722221. mudbugssanibel.com. A menu of Crescent City classics (beignets, po’boys). $$ MODERN AMERICAN o p

Sweet Melissa’s Café 1625 Periwinkle Way, 4721956. sweetmelissascafe. com. Sanibel’s first James Beard Award semifinalist crafts creative menus. Closed until further notice. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p

T2 Bistro & Wine Bar 2340 Periwinkle Way, 558-8919. t2traders.com. The retro-chic joint serves short rib flatbreads, curried

snapper and stellar bread pudding. Closed until further notice.

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p

CAPTIVA ISLAND

Keylime Bistro at Captiva Island Inn* 11509 Andy Rosse Lane, 395-4000. keylimebistrocap tiva.com. Colorful island spot with a full bar. Closed until further notice.

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o p

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. Closed until further notice.

$$$ AMERICAN o p w

RC Otter’s Island Eats*

11506 Andy Rosse Lane, 395-1142. captivaislandinn. com. RC’s serves break fast, lunch and dinner with daily live music. Closed until further notice.

$$ AMERICAN b o p

Sunshine Seafood Cafe and Wine Bar* 11508 Andy Rosse Lane, 472-6200. captivaislandinn. com. A beachy cafe with so phisticated entrees. Closed

until further notice.

$$$$ SEAFOOD

CAPE CORAL & PINE ISLAND

Cork Soakers Deck & Wine Bar

837 SE 47th Terrace, 542-6622. corksoakers.net. An irreverent tone shows in the decor and on the menu.

$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o p

Fathoms Restaurant & Bar

5785 Cape Harbour Drive, 542-0123. fathomsrestarant. com. Expect modern cuisine with international influences. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p w

Fish Tale Grill By Merrick Seafood 1229 S.E. 47th Terrace, 257-3167. fishtalegrill.com. With an adjacent fish market, many items here earn nods.

$$$$ SEAFOOD b o

Gather

5971 Silver King Blvd., 673-9939. gathercape.com. Two celebrated chefs team up at this locale, blending Mediterranean flavors with classic dishes.

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o w

Ginger Bistro 2366 Surfside Blvd., #101, 558-8865. gingerbistrousa. com. Authentic Chinese fare and traditional Cantonese barbecue.

$$ ASIAN

Jungle Bird

Authentic Tiki 1520 Lafayette St., 471-4111. junglebirdtiki.com. Enjoy clever Pacific Rim dishes at this tropical oasis and signature house rum. Only outdoor seating until further notice. $$$ ASIAN b o p

Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro/ Nauti Mermaid 5961 Silver King Blvd., 5415016. marriott.com. Find views of the bay while enjoying entrees and plates from these two restaurants at The Westin Cape Coral. $$$ SEAFOOD b o p w

Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery

927 E. Cape Coral Parkway, 994-3062. nevermindcapecoral.com. A hip spot with comfort food like cheeseburgers and truffle fries, strong cocktails and music. $$ MODERN AMERICAN o p

Point 57 Kitchen & Cocktails

3522 Del Prado Blvd. S., 471-7785. point-57.com. A critically acclaimed menu from one of Lee County’s best restaurants.

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o

Sip & Dine 4820 Candia St., 540-6800. slatescapecoral.com

Formerly Slates, this new concept evokes New Orleans in all dishes and in the lively jazz lounge. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o

Tarpon Lodge Restaurant*

13771 Waterfront Drive, Bokeelia, 283-3999. tarponlodge.com Crafted lunch and dinner in a 1920s fishing lodge.

$$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o w

SHOPPING DESTINATIONS

SAVE THE DATE

NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN’S FRIDA AND HER GARDEN PREMIERE THURSDAY, JAN. 12

Be among the first to be transported into the world of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907–1954) as you explore a re-creation of La Casa Azul, the artist’s iconic blue home in Coyoacán, Mexico City. See the exhibition, savor complimentary Mexican food and drink samples and celebrate with entertainment by DJ Los and live music from Latin Ambition at this 21+ event (ID required). naplesgarden.org

THE SHELTER FOR ABUSED WOMEN & CHILDREN’S GENTLE’MEN AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MEN’S EVENT

THURSDAY, JAN. 12

Hosted by Gentle’men Against Domestic Violence, The Shelter’s 12th Annual Men’s Event is one of Naples top fundraisers designed specifically for men. This year’s event at Grey Oaks Country Club will feature cocktail hour and dinner followed by cigars and spirits. Country club casual attire. Proceeds benefit The Shelter for Abused Women & Children. naplesshelter.org/mensevent

NAPLES SENIOR CENTER’S 11TH ANNUAL EVENING FOR BETTER TOMORROWS GALA SATURDAY, JAN. 14

Naples Senior Center welcomes you to An Enchanted Evening: Celebrating Our Future. Be entertained with legendary Motown hits by Shadows of the 60s and the iconic Gary Puckett, enjoy lavish cuisine and a luxury auction lot featuring VIP gifts from Title Sponsor Waterside Shops. Funds raised support programs that meet the emotional and social needs of seniors in our community. Raise a glass and toast to our future! naplesseniorcenter.org

GUADALUPE CENTER’S GALA THURSDAY, JAN. 19

Join Chairs Debbie and Bill Toler and help provide high-quality education for students of Immokalee by attending Elevate, Guadalupe Center’s signature fundraising gala at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples. The elegant event features an epicurean feast, creative cocktails, dazzling student performance, a spirited live auction and more. Proceeds fund world-class academic programs that create life-changing opportunities that allow future generations to begin building a cycle of prosperity in Immokalee. guadalupecenter.org/event/elevate-gala

IMMOKALEE FOUNDATION’S CHARITY CLASSIC GALA SATURDAY, JAN. 21

Join us for the Charity Classic Sueños Dream Gala where we will take guests on a journey of 31 plus years of making dreams come true for the children of Immokalee. The event provides opportunities to support students in achieving a professional career through Fund A Dream, a live bidding experience that enables donors to contribute directly to support Immokalee’s children. immokaleefoundation.org/gala

GOLISANO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NAPLES’ NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM SATURDAY, JAN.

28

Get your boogie shoes ready for the grooviest gala in Naples, hosted by disco queen and king, Dena Rae Hancock and Rob Caito. Plus, join renowned Chef Philippe Haddad, in partnership with Crave Culinaire and Three60 Market for an enhanced food and wine experience at this year's event. You won’t want to miss this out-of-sight evening supporting the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples! cmon.org/events/night-at-the-museum

NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN

INVITES YOU TO THE 19TH ANNUAL

Hats in the Garden Paris in the Springtime presented by chaired by shelly stayer WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2023 11:00AM | NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN beauty sponsor Dr. Kiran Gill of Naples Aesthetic Institute jewelry sponsor Van Cleef & Arpels magazine sponsor Gulfshore Life runway show sponsor Marissa Collections supporting sponsors Jett Thompson Home METHOD & CONCEPT Thomas Riley Artisans’ Guild

Cortney L. Beebe

Jane Purdy Berger

Mary Ann E. Bindley

Joanne Brown

Eleanor B. Chabraja

Joan E. Clifford

Parker J. Collier

Grace B. Evenstad

Donna S. Hall

Nancy H. Hamill

Cordia Harrington

Amy M. Heuerman

platinum

COUNCIL

Barbara J. Hills

Jerrilyn M. Hoffmann

Manisha D. Kapani

Kathleen Kapnick

Ann Khan

Linda Koehn

Jody B. Lippes

Joan T. Loos

Gloria P. Messey

Barbara L. Morrison

Beverly G. Neal

Donna D. Nelson

gold

Geren W. Fauth

Leslie K.S. Fogg

Melissa Keiswetter

Paula J. Malone

Katherine R. Pallas

Linda Orlans

Patrice Schoonmaker

F. Annette Scott

Karen M. Scott

Lynne Shotwell

Mary S. Smith

Vicky C. Smith

Shelly Stayer

Carol A. Walter

Shirley Z. Welsh

Nancy White

Kathryn E. Woods

Kathleen C. Rooney

Wynnell Schrenk

Susan Stielow

Jenny W. Sutton

Connie Vandenberg

Linda G. White

ARTS + CULTURE / Movements, creatives and experiences to spark imagination

260 Agenda: Top events for December

Courtesy Naples Art

TOP EVENTS FOR DECEMBER

Fill your calendar with local art shows, exhibitions, live performances and other community events happening this December. We recommend contacting the organizations for the latest information.

See works such as Depth (1955) by the Dutch graphic artist during M.C. ESCHER: Reality and Illusion at Naples Art.

Live music fills the region with performances by The Four Seasons’ Frankie Valli on Dec. 8 and country star Brad Paisley on Dec. 10.

PROCEEDS BENEFIT

The Shelter for Abused Women & Children

For more information, contact Susan Utz at sutz@naplesshelter.org 239.775.3862 • naplesshelter.org

Zoo Gala 2022

Moonlight in Malaysia

Zoo Gala, Moonlight in Malaysia was hosted at Naples Zoo on Thursday, November 17, 2022. The event supported Naples Zoo’s work with endangered species and our efforts to inspire young hearts to love animals and nature.

Event Chairs

Sheliah Wall Jennifer McCurry

Presentedby

Anita Lovse Nina Van Arsdale

Thank you to our generous partners.

CloudedLeopardSponsors

Jeanne Guglielmi

Christine Homan

Kathryn Marinello

Beverly & Mike Neal Ann & Senator Rick Scott

OrangutanSponsors

Jean Ackerman & Tim Lawler

Beverly Fanning

Tanya & Denny Glass

Susan Griffiths Gohl Jerri & David Hoffmann

Christine Stahl Lublin & Dr. Richard Lublin Susie, Jennifer, & Joe McCurry

SunBearSponsors

Jacki & Max Guinn Amy & Paul Heuerman Teri Kuhn

GibbonSponsors

Bentley of Naples

Carol & Henry Dinardo

Wilfredo Emanuel & Gary Harlan

Fifth Third Bank

Valerie & Nizar Ghoussaini

Nancy & Jonathan Hamill

Janice & John Hannsz

Edward Cawley & Katie Kensington

Anita & Tomaz Lovse

Marissa Collections

Jutta & David Parsons

Hewit & Brendan Rome

MediaSponsors

Ginni & Mark Rometty

Sue & Fred Schulte

Nina Van Arsdale

Sheliah Wall Kathy & Rodney Woods

Dec. 6-31

Annual Small Works of Art at Harmon-Meek Gallery, Naples Shop from hundreds of small paintings and sculp

Dec. 8

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers

This 1960s group plays

Dec. 10

Live Fest Presented by QBE Shootout at The RitzCarlton Golf Resort, Naples After the tournament, Tiburón’s driving range

Dec. 12

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, Fort Myers

SPONSOR

Dec. 16 - Jan. 15

Freud’s Last Session at Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers

In this two-man show psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud meets author and born-again Christian C.S. Lewis for an intellectual debate about love, God and the meaning of life. floridarep.org

Dec. 17 - Oct. 15

Naples Collects at Artis— Naples, The Baker Museum

For this second edition of this special exhibition (the first debuted in 2016), see pieces—from local private collectors —representing a wide range of mediums and artistic styles. artisnaples.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Light Displays

December looks merry and bright as festive lights illuminate the flora during Night Lights in the Garden at Naples Botanical Garden (naplesgarden.org) and Edison & Ford Estates Night Lights (edisonford.

org). Both run through the end of the month. On Dec. 1-4, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center hosts The Festival of Trees (sbdac.com) in downtown Fort Myers, trimming dozens of trees to raise money for the art center and Goodwill of South west Florida. Further south, Old Naples is abuzz, kicking off with the

Naples Botanical Garden stays open late all month for Night Lights in the Garden.

Courtesy Naples Botanical Garden

CHAIRS

Cindy Stegemann | Louise Ost HONORARY CHAIR Mayor Teresa Heitmann

Embark on a journey of The Immokalee Foundation’s

sponsor champagne wall sponsor

sahatchee, Cape Coral (southcapeentertainment .com) hosts a fête in the entertainment district, with food, street perform ers, music and a ball drop.

Boat Parades

In a grand Southwest Florida display of holiday cheer, boaters deck their boats’ hulls and masts with holiday lights for parades along the coasts. In Collier, folks pack the restaurants

and docks at Tin City on Dec. 10 for the annual parade along Naples Bay (miacc.org), and on Marco Island (christmasislanstyle. com), on Dec. 17, brightly decorated boats sail past prime viewing perches at Snook Inn and The

Esplanade. Up north, on Dec. 19, the Cape Coral Holiday Boat-A-Long (capecoral.gov) caps an afternoon of celebrations at Four Freedoms Park, with music, bites from local food trucks and more fun for the family.

Recurring Events We Love

With live music in the streets, nibbles at local galleries, shops and other fun diversions, these monthly events keep us coming back.

Dec. 2

Fort Myers Art Walk in Downtown Fort Myers

On first Fridays, art fills the streets with a rooftop party at SBDAC. sbdac.com

Dec. 10

Music in the Garden at Naples Botanical Garden

This month’s musician is guitarist and singer Jamaz. naplesgarden.org

Dec. 10

Naples Artcrafters at Cambier Park

The monthly series show cases local arts and crafts. naplesartcrafters.com

Dec. 14

Art & Soul Night at ShangriLa Springs, Bonita Springs

On second Wednesdays, find live music, an artisan market and art classes. shangrilasprings.com

Dec. 16

Fort Myers Music Walk in the River District

Regional musicians play in the streets on third Fri days. myriverdistrict.com

Dec. 31 Evening on Fifth in Old Naples Shops stay open late, restaurants offer specials and live music is abound on second Thursdays. fifthavenuesouth.com

PRESENTED BY

FEBRUARY 7 TH , 2023 THE NAPLES PLAYERS | 701 5 TH AVE. SOUTH

Celebrate and support your theatre.

Join us for a spectacular evening under the stars in Sugden Plaza. Enjoy live music and a one-night-only show on Baker Stage –plus dinner and dancing. Our most important fundraiser of the year supports the highly regarded programs at The Naples Players.

Candace Johnson cjohnson@naplesplayers.org | (239) 434-7340, Ext. 126 NaplesPlayers.org/gala

Beacon of Hope

In the March 1982 issue of Gulfshore Life , author Elinore M. Dormer details the nearly 5,000-year-old history of Sanibel, including covering The Sanibel Lighthouse—one of our longest-standing treasures. Built in 1884, the structure shines from nearly 100 feet above sea level, serving as a marker for boaters on the Gulf and motorists on the causeway. While Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc on the island, the lighthouse remains. The base lost a leg during the Category 4 storm, but the Coast Guard found and restored it. Now, the landmark stands a guide for travelers and a symbol of the community’s unwavering strength and resilience.