THE THREE60 WINE CLUB
An Exclusive Monthly Membership Tasting Experience
Three60 Wine Club at Rebecca’s offers members exclusive access to renowned, premium wines from Tuscany, Napa Valley, and beyond.
Imagine savoring the finest wines from around the world every month, all in one place - welcome to Three60 Wine at Rebecca’s.
Benefits
Two curated tastings per month featuring premium high-end wines
Tastings available from 11am-6pm Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday) Priority seating at Rebecca’s
No corkage fee for wine purchased at Three60 at Rebecca’s and enjoyed at the restaurant 10% off Rebecca’s for dining, excludes alcohol
Guest privileges for tastings, with a small tasting fee per guest (based upon seating availability)
Two guest passes to The Maddox per year (May 31st-Oct 1st)
Complimentary admission to weekly wine tastings at Rebecca’s ($50-$75 value per tasting)
Free delivery on all purchases of three cases or more within Naples, FL
Access to Three60 Wine Club at Rebecca’s exclusive events
One-time
Loving Local Exploration & Connectivity
As winter season engulfs the Gulf, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and joy for the community that has developed over the last few years. Our beautiful, coastal paradise is only amplified by those who value what it has to offer. This issue of Paradise Coast City Lifestyle is a special one, dedicated to celebrating the heart and soul of our beloved Naples & Marco Island communities.
It’s sharing the love for our local businesses, artists, and organizations that make our home truly extraordinary. We’ve explored numerous parts of our expanding community; uncovering hidden gems, inspiring stories, and the passionate people who make Naples & Marco Island the vibrant places we all know and love.
From the delectable flavors of our local restaurants to the incredible artistic treasures we have at our fingertips to the altruistic nature of our communities, this issue is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and kindness that define where we call home. We hope these pages will inspire you to explore your own backyard, support local businesses, and connect with the people who make Naples & Marco Island so special.
As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of our world, it’s more important than ever to support our local businesses and celebrate the unique character of our community. Together, we can create an even more beautiful place for people to live and visit!
Thank you for supporting local with all the love!
JENN WIDEBERG, PUBLISHER
@PARADISECOASTCITYLIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Jenn Wideberg | jenn.wideberg@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Annalisa Sawick | annalisa.sawick@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sydney Sakalosky, Jennifer Wideberg
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Jenn Wideberg PARADISE COAST CITY LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER
Marco Island Center for the Arts MARCOISLANDART.ORG
Marco Island Historical Society THEMIHS.INFO
Naples Art Picnic INSTAGRAM.COM/NAPLESARTPICNIC
Beauty Edition By Katie BEAUTYEDITIONBYKATIE.COM
FACE FOUNDRIÉ
FACEFOUNDRIE.COM/LOCATION/NAPLES
Masters Men’s Grooming Service MASTERSMENSGROOMING.COM
Sand Dollar Boat Tours SANDDOLLARSHELLING.COM
Club Pilates
CLUBPILATES.COM/LOCATION/SOUTHNAPLES
Forever Fiore Tea Lounge & Floral FOREVERFIORETEALOUNGE.COM FOREVERFIOREFLORAL.COM
Marco Island Yacht Club MARCOISLANDYACHTCLUB.NET
POSH Gin POSHGIN.COM
Rebecca’s & The Maddox REBECCASNAPLES.COM THEMADDOXNAPLES.COM
AltaMar Dental Studio ALTAMARDENTAL.COM
DexaFit NAPLES.DEXAFIT.COM
Naples Mobile IV NAPLESMOBILEIVS.COM
Thrive IV Bar THRIVEIVBAR.COM
More Space Place MORESPACEPLACE.COM/NAPLES
Carl’s Wine Vault CARLSWINEVAULT.COM
Chris Sullivan, RE/MAX Affinity Plus CHRISSULLIVAN.REMAX.COM
Pink Hibiscus PINKHIBISCUS.COM
FC Naples FCNAPLES.COM
Florida Everblades & Hertz Arena FLORIDAEVERBLADES.COM HERTZARENA.COM
Naples All Star Events NAPLESALLSTAREVENTS.COM
Caitlin Pfitzinger, EMBARK Beyond CAITLINPFITZINGERTRAVEL.COM
Cuvee Wine Travel CUVEEWINETRAVEL.COM
Emily James Art EMILYJAMESART.COM A JARON Fine Jewelry AJARON.COM
Kenzi MedSpa & Wellness Center KENZISPA.COM
Faith Church WWW.FAITHCHURCHNAPLES.COM
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden at Naples Botanical Garden left visitors in awe! 2: Many strolled through the Night Lights, enjoying music & food at The Fogg Cafe following. 3: Fashion enthusiasts enjoyed a holiday happy hour of shopping with Concept Prive & Kilometre Paris! 4: The Marco Island Newcomers Club was welcomed by all at the parade too! 5: The Bayshore District's Annual Tree Lighting Festival... 6: ...accompanied by a special mural unveiling by world-renowned artist Carmelo Blandino. 7: GETCATFIT trainers and clients ready for the Marco Christmas street parade.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
BAYSHORE DISTRICT
BAYSHORE DISTRICT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LANE
GETCATFIT
JOHN CAVANAGH, FRANK STEIGER AND SCOTT SCHILKE
JENNIFER WIDEBERG
JENNIFER WIDEBERG
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From World Stages to Our Shores
A Concert Full of Passion A Concert Full of Passion
Step into scenes of seduction, betrayal, and desire where love becomes a game, and hearts are the prize. International
Tenor Matthew White, Metropolitan Opera Soprano Susanne Burgess and Mezzo-soprano Rebecca Luttio with collaborative pianist
Michael Fennelly, deliver riveting excerpts from Rigoletto, Carmen, and other famous operas
February 23, 2025
Moorings Presbyterian Church, Naples 4 PM
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Naples All Start Events
Naples All Star Events brings high-energy entertainment to the Paradise Coast March 31st at The Hilton Naples! Their upcoming LEGENDS 6 event promises a star-studded day and evening spent with incredible former, professional athletes Dan Hampton, Ed ‘Too Tall’ Jones, and Joe Theismann. The evening will also include live music, auctions, and much more. Get your tickets today on their site before they sell out!
by Naples All Star Events Scan to read more
Photography
Enriching SWFL Lives with the Magic of Vocal Music
Emily James Art
Visit a Native Floridian Artist’s Gallery Today
Emily has received recognition of her talent through numerous awards and honors. She is the only artist in the United States selected by the top three fine art publishers, and two of her images have been among the top 50 selling prints worldwide. Emily was also selected as an Outstanding American Woman in the Arts, and is a signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society, being featured in the book, ‘The Best of Watercolor’. With her acrylics and oils on canvas, Emily has also received numerous Best-in-Show ribbons. Known for her versatility in both subject and style, she enjoys painting landscapes, seascapes, abstracts, contemporary works, and portraits. Emily specializes in creating custom artwork with the feeling, colors, and subjects the owner will enjoy viewing.
Concept Prive
Concept Privé is a hybrid concept that organizes private pop-up events and unique, invitation-only, shopping experiences, inviting established, as well as emerging designers and artists, from Europe to Naples & Marco Island.
Founded by Sona Chakarian, with over 20 years’ experience in the fashion industry, and supported by her daughter Diana Mouradian, a Parisian business school graduate, they hope to bring unique fashion and art experiences to our area! Visit their site to learn more.
by Lane
Pink Hibiscus
Pink Hibiscus provides all of your staple wardrobe pieces and gifting ideas, while still maintaining a unique and tasteful boutique flare for women. Located in the heart of Marco Island in the Town Center, come by Pink Hibiscus and let them help you elevate your style and inspire your soul! Visit Today: 1069 N Collier Blvd #213, Marco Island, 34145 | 239-747-PINK (7465) info@pinkhibiscus.com
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10AM - 5PM Sunday: CLOSED
Photography
Photography by Pink Hibiscus
An Opera Season of Love
From dark romanticism to operettas there's something for everyone!
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WIDEBERG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GULFSHORE OPERA
GULFSHORE
OPERA: A CULTURAL GEM
IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Nestled along our serene Southwest Florida coastline, Gulfshore Opera (GO) has become a beacon for classical music and performing arts enthusiasts. Celebrating 10 years since its establishment in 2014, this dynamic organization brings world-class opera, musical theater, and cultural programming to the region, enriching communities from Naples to Fort Myers and beyond.
A MISSION ROOTED IN ACCESSIBILITY
Gulfshore Opera was founded with a mission to make high-quality opera accessible and inclusive to all. By performing in a variety of venues, offering tickets at various prices, and providing youth educational programs at no charge to participants, GO ensures that residents and visitors alike can experience the power of live performance.
ORIGIN STORY
Founder, Steffanie Pearce, brings over 40 years' operatic experience to Gulfshore Opera. She is a producer, director, and teacher of the great art form; and, was a soprano touring internationally for 20 years. Through both her artistic and professional experience, she and her team have drawn notable partnerships with prominent venues such as ArtisNaples, The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, and now the Norris Community Center.
EXCEPTIONAL TALENT
Gulfshore Opera's experienced team and provision of high-class venues have also led to them being able to attract top-talent from around the world, such as Susanne Burgess, a soprano who has performed at
The Gulfshore Opera Team carries out their mission to make high-quality opera accessible and inclusive to all.
Soprano, Susanne Burgess, has also performed at The Metropolitan Opera.
The Metropolitan Opera. The company often features rising stars alongside seasoned professionals, offering audiences a mix of fresh artistry and experienced excellence. In addition to guest artists, the company maintains a talented resident ensemble, ensuring a consistent level of artistic quality across its productions.
A WIDE-RANGING REPERTOIRE
The Gulfshore Opera's repertoire spans the classics of the operatic canon as well as contemporary works and innovative cross-genre performances. From beloved operas to Broadway revues and seasonal concerts, their programming appeals to both seasoned opera lovers and newcomers.
The organization is particularly known for its Grand Opera Series, which features fully staged productions with professional casts and orchestras. Additionally, its GO Beyond Series offers smaller, intimate performances, often blending opera with other genres such as jazz and folk music.
Upon the great success of last season, whereby season-ending performance Turnandot sold out, GO will bring our communities performances of love and dark romance with a calendar of events including 'Dangerous Liaisons', 'Rusalka', and 'Lucia' to name a few.
CONTINUED >
'Rusalka' performing in March.
'Dangerous Liaisons' performing in February.
Founder Steffanie Pearce brings over 40 years' experience to Gulfshore Opera.
Last season's Turnandot sold out in April
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Gulfshore Opera’s impact extends far beyond the stage. Its empowerment and educational initiatives focus on bringing music to underserved populations. Through its innovative outreach programs, the organization introduces the transformative power of music to children, seniors, and those in marginalized communities. Standout youth programs include Harmony Choir andYouth Opera Chorus, both of which provide free music education and performance opportunities to local students.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
For those interested in experiencing Gulfshore Opera, tickets and season subscriptions are available through their website. Gulfshore Opera’s Signature Fundraising Event, GO Gala, will be held February 23rd at the Hilton in Naples; and, the organization also welcomes donations, volunteers, and sponsorships to support its mission.
A BRIGHT FUTURE
With a rich slate of performances planned each season and ongoing efforts to expand its community outreach, Gulfshore Opera is poised to remain a cultural cornerstone in Southwest Florida for years to come.
Whether you’re a longtime opera aficionado or simply curious about this powerful art form, Gulfshore Opera invites you to join them this season on a journey of love - for artistic discovery and preservation, as well as local engagement.
For more information, visit their official website today: https://gulfshoreopera.org
Let's GO!
Go Fundraising Gala held Feb 23rd.
...as is its Youth Opera Chorus initiative.
The Harmony Choir is a big part of GO's youth development program...
'Lucia' performing April-May.
EXOTIC JOURNEYS. MEANINGFUL ADVENTURES. BESPOKE ITINERARIES
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LASTING legacy OF LOCAL LOVE
Tom Golisano, a resident of Southwest Florida, has a long-standing legacy of philanthropy through the Golisano Foundation, which he established in 1985. The foundation awards grants to organizations that provide opportunities for disabled persons. His charitable efforts have supported various causes, including healthcare, education, and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Golisano was the founder of Paychex, a company that provides human resources, payroll, and employee benefits outsourcing services for small to medium-sized businesses. He eventually resigned as the CEO of Paychex at age 63 to focus his efforts on his philanthropic ventures. The philanthropist recently surprised Southwest Florida’s nonprofit community by donating $85 million in unrestricted funds to 41 local nonprofit organizations. Representatives from the selected organizations were invited to what they believed was a major announcement at Artis-Naples, but were unaware of the surprise until Golisano himself revealed the real reason he called them there.
“One of my favorite sayings is ‘the only wealth you keep is that which you give away,’ and this year, I’ve decided to act on that saying," said Golisano. “I’m glad to provide support to nonprofits across Southwest Florida, where I now call home.”
Golisano’s contribution mirrored the sentiment he had announced in Rochester where more than 80 nonprofits were awarded donations, earning him the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rochester Chamber of Commerce.
The donations are listed by category of cause:
ARTICLE BY SYDNEY SAKALOSKY PHOTOGRAPHY
BY THE GOLISANO FOUNDATION
Philanthropist Tom Golisano: The Season of Giving Continues
Mr. Tom Golisano
EDUCATION
Ave Maria University ($10 million), Guadalupe Center ($3 million)
HEALTH
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida ($10 million), Naples Comprehensive Health ($5 million)
COMMUNITY
American Red Cross Southwest Florida ($3 million), Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida ($2 million), Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples ($4 million), Meals of Hope ($3 million), Youth Haven ($3 million)
INTELLECTUAL & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Best Buddies Southwest Florida ($1 million), Beyond the Spectrum Inc. ($1 million), Easterseals Southwest Florida ($5 million), Family Initiative ($5 million), Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida ($5 million), Guardian Angels for Special Populations ($1 million), LARC Inc. ($5 million), Protected Harbor ($1 million), Special Olympics Florida ($1 million) STARability ($5 million), Sunrise – Naples ($1 million), The Haven ($1 million)
ANIMAL WELFARE
Animal Rescue Coalition ($1 million), Cape Coral Animal Shelter ($1.5 million), Gulf Coast Humane Society ($1.5 million), Humane Society Naples ($500,000), SNIP Collier ($1.5 million), Anna Maria Island Pup Rescue ($150,000), Big Dog Ranch Rescue ($500,000), Florida Coastal Cocker Rescue ($150,000), For the Love of Cats ($150,000), Fur and Tails Animal Rescue ($150,000), Canine Castaways Inc. ($150,000), Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue ($500,000), Haven on Earth Animal League ($150,000), Humane Society of Manatee County ($500,000), Humane Society of Sarasota County ($500,000), Max's Ark Rescue ($150,000), Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center ($500,000), Pawtcake Refuge ($150,000), Purradise Gardens ($150,000), Shy Wolf Sanctuary ($150,000).
Thank you Mr. Golisano for offering our community a lasting legacy of giving and 'local love'.
“With his latest donation, Golisano has now contributed half a billion dollars to philanthropy in 2024.”
BELIZE PH 2208 RECORD SALE $5,000,000
COZUMEL 404 RECORD SALE
$4,050,000
BELIZE 1801 $3,295,000
BELIZE 1902 $2,740,000
BELIZE 402 $2,699,000
BELISE PH 2208 SOLD
BELIZE PH 2002 SOLD
BELIZE 2104 SOLD
MONTERREY 1705 PENDING
MONTERREY 805 SOLD
COZUMEL 1903 $2,300,000
COZUMEL 404 SOLD
COZUMEL 2006 SOLD
COZUMEL 1001 SOLD
COZUMEL 904 SOLD
Setting the Scene...
...For Local Love. The Naples Players: Recent Groundbreaking Renovations and Active Community Engagement
The Bakers are no strangers to giving back. Jay, a former Kohl’s Department Store president, and his wife Patty, a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, have made a far-reaching impact on the Naples community. They support many local charities and initiatives, including The Naples Players , whose mission is to build community through the power of theatre.
Following a $21 million renovation of their iconic theater in the heart of Downtown Naples, The Naples Players announced the official Phase 1 re-opening of their new venue: The Kizzie Theater. This exclusive
ARTICLE BY SYDNEY SAKALOSKY PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE NAPLES PLAYERS
Top: Reopening Night Mid: 'A Christmas Carol'
“Once fully completed, TNP will be the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified Theater in Florida.”
ribbon-cutting event was complete with a presentation featuring award-winning numbers, appetizers, and tours of the facility, and marked the completion of the first phase of the renovation. It took place on Saturday, June 1, at 2:00 p.m. And, the inaugural production in The Kizzie Theater of 42nd Street ran from June 26th - July 21st, 2024.
Previously known as Blackburn Hall, the newly renamed 452-seat Kizzie Theater, endowed by philanthropists Jay and Patty Baker, boasts 308 seats on the main floor and an additional 144 seats in the balcony. The theater maintains its renowned aisle depth, allowing patrons to move comfortably past one another in every row.
The Kizzie Theater is equipped with a cutting-edge sound system by Meyer Sound, custom acoustical design by Gary W. Siebein, and beautiful custom millwork walls crafted by local cabinet maker John Jewell. The Broadwaystyle venue also features an orchestra pit for 16 musicians, a full fly-house, advanced lighting technology, and spacious dressing rooms. The Kizzie Theater also features a unique “Sensory Booth,” a private space equipped with independent lighting, sound, and temperature controls, providing families affected by Sensory Processing Disorders a chance
Inclusive Classes
to enjoy performances in a controlled setting. Other accessibility features include a hearing-loop system and Bluetooth hearing assistance, allowing individuals with Bluetooth hearing aids to connect directly to the theater’s sound system without the need for extra devices or headphones.
Phase 1 includes the opening of the Jay R. Paul Community Atrium, the new Diane & Sid Davis Box Office; Annie’s Cafe; Price Grand Staircase; Tater Tot’s Mezzanine Bar; David Byron & Vicky C. Smith Mezzanine; Nancy Ribordy Spot Booth; Audrey & Vaughn Pengelly Spot Booth; Jim & Linda Mizeur Dressing Room; Peggy & James Monson Audio Center; Terry Libby Rehearsal Room; Alan & Liz Jaffe Orchestra Pit; Dorota & Kevin Kilstrom Usher Lounge; Bob Hill Volunteer Lounge; Muffy Clark Gill Patron Services; John & Catherine Estey Classroom; George D’Angelo & Laura St. Clair Atrium Overlook; Theresa Bill Stage Doors; Kathleen’s Kloset Dressing Room; and the Steven & Shelley Einhorn Outdoor Lounge, among other spaces. The renovation was designed by David Corban Architects, with local general contractor BUILD managing the construction.
Phase 2 will include the opening of two new 104-seat Black Box Theaters, along with new scenic and costume shops, additional dressing rooms, bars, and a donor terrace.
The 2025 Season includes ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’, ‘Death of a Salesman’, ‘Man of La Mancha’, ‘The Half-Life of Marie Curie’, and ‘The Hallelujah Girls’, while TNP graciously offers many youth and community educational programs, as well.
Educational Programs
“They support many local charities and initiatives, including The Naples Players, whose mission is to build community through the power of theatre.”
'The Music Man'
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ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WIDEBERG PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY JAMES ART GALLERY
"I love the personal connection I can make being a local artist and adding sentimental details for my customers."
'High Tea'
Meet Philanthropic Artist Emily James
A Native Floridian Artist at Work in Her Craft & in Our Community
Emily James, a native Floridian artist based in Naples, has garnered national and international acclaim for her versatile artistic talents over the years. Her gallery, located at 720 Fifth Avenue South #111 in Naples serves as both her exhibition space and painting studio, where visitors can observe her creative process firsthand.
Throughout her distinguished career, Emily has received numerous awards and honors. She was selected as the official artist for the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta for three consecutive years. As a signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society, Emily's talent has been showcased in "Watercolor U.S.A." and featured in the book "The Best of Watercolor." Notably, she is the only artist in the United States chosen by all three top fine art publishers, with two of her images ranking among the top 50 selling prints worldwide.
Emily's artistic repertoire spans a wide range of subjects and styles, encompassing landscapes, seascapes, abstracts, and portraits. She is particularly renowned for her Florida-themed paintings, and
Emily is known for her water view scenes...
her recent works exhibit a dimensional, textural element, blending classical and contemporary styles.
In addition to her artistic achievements, Emily is dedicated to creating custom artwork tailored to the preferences of her clients, ensuring each piece resonates with its owner. Her commitment to art education is evident through her involvement with her alma mater, Florida State University, where she was invited to join the Dean of Art's Advisory Board.
Emily's contributions to the art community extend beyond her creations. She was named the Honorary Chair for the 2025 Spring into the Arts Gala Luncheon and Fashion Show, an event honoring distinguished women in the arts in Southwest Florida.
Visitors to her gallery in Naples have the unique opportunity to engage with Emily and witness her artistic process, making each visit a personalized experience. And, her gallery has been voted "Naples' Best Gallery" for multiple years, reflecting the community's appreciation for her work.
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THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE BEST BITES!
My Hungry Valentine
ARTICLE BY MR. BITES - DARYL BERG
The Bohemian
"Welcome to my brand new column focused on the dining pleasures of the greater Paradise Coast. My viewpoint is of someone who truly loves food without prejudice. A great burger pop-up can be as wonderful a dining experience as a Michelin star. Delicious is delicious, whether it’s a white tablecloth or a paper napkin. Oh…and expect some snark along the way."
Yours in deliciousness, Mr. Bites
There are two days of the year that if you want to get the best experience in a restaurant, I would avoid. The first is everyone’s favorite amateur hour, New Year’s Eve. The second is, Valentine’s Day.
At the risk of being bitter, or worse, unromantic, it’s just not a great experience. You’re probably picking off a set menu of their most popular or easiest to prepare dishes en masse and the couple next to you has a good chance of either being new and unsure what to talk about for this formal occasion, or together for thirty years making idle chatter while they push food around their plate. Neither of these makes for a joyful dining experience.
My methodology on this is simple--sitting across from someone on a dinner date is about as romantic as being reviewed by a co-op or HOA board.
Mr. Bites’ suggestions are based on places that have a good kitty-corner selection, or the full menu at the bar so you can sit next to your date...
With that being said, I present to you, the best restaurants for a romantically epicurean delight, as long as you visit the day before or after…
OLD VINES – MERCATO
Old Vines’ rich dark woods and great lighting (translation--soft muted yellow light) make for the perfect background for a great wine list and an extremely sharable new American menu. Their potato pave bites with prime beef tartare and short rib arancini are both winners.
DUSK AT THE RITZ CARLTON
For my money, the best date food is sushi. It’s never grossly filling and there’s something wonderful (and fairly primal) about eating simple, yet elegantly
prepared raw fish. Dusk has some of the better fish in town, which you can enjoy while taking in the sleek, sexy environment.
THE BOHEMIAN – BONITA SPRINGS
If any restaurant deserves to be on pretty much any list, it would be the creative and stylish Bohemian. With a diverse menu featuring everything from short rib to the best, spicy tuna, crispy rice in town and a creative cocktail program, this the perfect place. The rich, blue-highlighted interior makes you want to toast your partner, interlock arms and sip your cocktail.
VERANDA E - DOWNTOWN NAPLES
This perpetually hidden gem at the Escalante on the west end of 5th Avenue South has a vibe of its own. From the twinkling lights on the hacienda overlooking the pool to popping bottles under the cabana, you can achieve any kind of date here. In a beach town where restaurants overlooking the water are woefully in short supply, taking in the nouveau Spanish vibe while eating clever “global haute cuisine” feels as organic as their in-house garden. Because the Paradise Coast has far too many spots that throw on a white tablecloth, offer three cabs and three pinots and call themselves fine dining, Veranda E feels like the real deal. Check out what they do with usually cliche calamari; turning it into a sweet and savory Asian sensation.
As far as what to do on your actual Valentine’s Day? Gents, a roast chicken is not that hard to cook and can easily show your lady that you know your way around the kitchen (at least somewhat).
Until we eat again… Mr. Bites
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FEBRUARY 2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 2ND
Naples Big Band Concerts
Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave South, Naples, 34102 | 2:00 PM
The Naples Big Band hosts FREE* public concerts at Cambier Park, aiming to preserve classic big band sound while supporting music education. Concerts are two hours long and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs. Dates include: February 2, 2 pm; March 3, 7 pm; April 6, 2 pm. *A $10 suggested donation there supports performance costs and music education program.
FEBRUARY 15TH
Island Rocks Concert
Veterans Community Park, 901 Park Avenue, Marco Island 34145 | 4:00 PM
Get ready for the February Island Rocks Concert! Join a fantastic evening of live music at Veteran's Community Park in Marco Island Sat Feb 15th 4 - 9pm. Organized by the City Of Marco Island Parks and Recreation. Tickets are FREE via EventBrite.
FEBRUARY 18TH
Stay tuned for announcements regarding special pop-up locations: https://www.conceptprive.com/event | 12:00 PM will take place Feb 18-20; special pop-up locations TBD! Visit https://www.conceptprive.com/ created a small collection of women's garments, using prestigious yarns and innovative techniques profamily, innovation, craftsmanship and sustainability.
LEGENDS 6
Monday, March 31, 2025
3:30pm - 7:00pm • 7:00pm to 9:00pm Poolside After Party Hilton Hotel Naples • 5111 Tamiami Trail, North Naples, Florida Autographs Pictures Bar Food Q&A Session For ticket information go to: www.NaplesAllStarEvents.com Naples All Star Events, The Pat Dearborn Group, The Floor Meisters and Medicare Expert Ron Cerritelli
DAN HAMPTON
ED “TOO TALL” JONES
JOE THEISMANN
