LOCAL BITES

Clockwise from top right: Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge offers a selection of creative beverage options, including the Stoned Oak, the Best Memories, and the Blueberry Yum Yum.

LIBATIONS

CIVILIZED SIPPING

After sampling the craft cocktail culture in cities such as New Orleans and Charleston, Danielle and Stephen Dyer wanted to bring that experience to Southwest Florida. Last June, they teamed up with friend and business partner Peggy Baker to open Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge in downtown Bonita Springs.

“I’ve always wanted to own a bar,” says Danielle, who worked in other industries prior to her hospitality career. “I love the cocktail culture, as well as the other aspects of it—the socialization and meeting new people, the music and dancing. I’ve outgrown the club scene, so I wanted a classy lounge that would have some resemblance to a speakeasy.”

The drink menu changes quarterly, encompassing 13 original signature cocktails as well as some classics. The team of four bartenders develops the concepts and then works with Danielle to fine-tune the selections. Classic drinks are identified by their source; for example, the Mai Tai (Trader Vic’s, 1944); Hanky Panky (Ada Coleman, Savoy Hotel, 1898); and Jungle Bird (Jeffrey Ong, Aviary Bar, 1998). Other offerings include a choice of wines and a large list of premium spirits.

Cordials and shrubs are made in-house and fresh-squeezed juices take the place of bottled mixers. Dessert is the only food served, which fits a clientele that typically starts or ends an evening at Chartreuse. Takeout dining options are nearby, and customers are allowed to bring in food. The lounge is open until 11 p.m. during the week and 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. There’s no standing room, and Danielle stresses that patience is required to concoct the complex cocktails.

“The idea came from what I want as a customer,” she says, “a place where I’d feel comfortable coming after work, or in a gown, or on a Saturday afternoon.” (chartreuselounge.com)

A CULINARY ESCAPE

Dining options in Ave Maria expanded in March with the opening of Oasis The Kitchen Lounge in the Town Center. The restaurant is a joint venture between local entrepreneur Phong Ho, owner of Ave Maria’s Tropical Smoothie Café, and chef Michael Jaenvega of steak house Martin Fierro in Naples.

“We felt that Ave Maria didn’t have a wide enough range of choices, and we wanted to provide a more elegant dining option,” says Ho. “Our goal was a gourmet kitchen with a Latin flair that would offer a fun, interesting experience.”

The eclectic menu spans a wide variety of culinary styles and has something for everyone. Appetizers range from homemade empanadas to seared ahi tuna and a roasted beet salad. Pastas are garnished with seafood or chicken bruschetta sauce and an assortment of meats and fresh seafood are cooked on the grill. For the full Argentine experience, order the Meat Lovers Grill, consisting of skirt steak, chicken breast, sausage, pork loin, and shrimp. The lunch menu features lighter dishes, such as poke bowls, burgers, and stir-fries.

“We’ve started serving Sunday brunch, and we’re offering weekly specials with dishes not available elsewhere,” says Ho. “We hope to grow along with the community.” (oasiskitchenlounge.com)

GLOBAL GOURMET FOR LATIN LOVERS

Pan-Latin flavors are on display at El Nido, which opened in May at Estero’s Coconut Point. The Sofia family has designed a menu that incorporates influences from throughout South America as well as both the coastal and inland regions of Mexico.

“The Latin culture unites families and brings a feeling of togetherness,” says Donna Sofia, who owns El Nido with her husband, Joe. The Sofias have operated restaurants in Coconut Point for nearly two decades and currently own South Fork Grille. “When we started tasting and experimenting with dishes, we were amazed by the combination and complexity of flavors in these cuisines,” she says.

Signature starters include tostones de cubano— smashed fried plantains with mojo pork, guacamole, and pickled red onion. Entrées draw from the cuisines of Spain (garlic shrimp and paella Valencia); Argentina (steak asado); and Peru (roast chicken with huacatay sauce, fried yuca, and Latin slaw). Traditional tacos, burritos, tamales, and enchiladas are available, along with top-shelf tequilas and single-origin coffees.

“We felt the area needed a restaurant that exposed people to Latin culture,” says Donna. “Many of our employees are Latin, and they’ve contributed dishes as well. We’ve always been impressed by the passion they bring to their cooking and the energy of sharing it with each other,” she says. “Food brings everyone together.” (elnidoeats.com)

MICHAEL CARONCHI

Clockwise from left: Puerco nuevo (pork chop), paella Valencia, and short rib tacos are among the specialties at El Nido.

NI ’s curated dining guide for Greater NAPLES

THE LISTINGS

The Naples area is packed with an abundance of great eateries, serving up food and drinks to satisfy every palate. Naples Illustrated has rounded up details on can’tmiss places for dining delights.

AMERICAN

ALEXANDER’S The tastes of farm-to-table American and European cuisine commingle at this fine dining establishment. 4077 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (alexandersnaples.com) THE BEVY Everything old is new again at The Bevy (short for beverage). Be sure to try the Blackberry Tom Cat, a riff on the Tom Collins, from the signature cocktail menu. 360 12th Ave. S., Naples (naplesbevy.com) BOKAMPER’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL Kim Bokamper retired from NFL football decades ago, but he’s still scoring at his North Naples eatery. 8990 Fontana

Del Sol Way, Naples (bokampers.com) HOBNOB Elevated comfort food and sophisticated fare in a modern yet warm atmosphere. Beef and fish are brought in fresh daily and filleted on site. 720

Fifth Ave. S. Unit 101, Naples (hobnobnaples.com) THE LOCAL Fresh, healthy meals dominate the menu, and its acclaimed brunch is one of the best in town. 5323 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples (thelocalnaples. com) RIDGWAY BAR & GRILL Chef Tony Ridgway continues wowing diners with classic American cuisine. 1300

Third St. S., Naples (ridgwaybarandgrill.com) SEVENTH SOUTH CRAFT FOOD + DRINK Owner

Barry Larkin and chef Jay Schrednitz offer a locally and globally sustainable seafood program, handcut steaks, house-made pastas, and reimagined cocktails, along with Saturday and Sunday brunch. 849 Seventh Ave. S., Naples (seventhsouth.com) TAVERN ON THE BAY This popular sports bar boasts huge televisions, great comfort food, and a lovely view of the Gordon River. 489 Bayfront Place, Naples (tavernonthebay.net) THREE60 MARKET In addition to a stellar market, this local favorite boasts a café that serves classic, fresh fare for breakfast and lunch or an early dinner. 2891

Bayview Drive, Naples (three60market.com) TOMMY BAHAMA RESTAURANT & BAR Born in

Naples, the Tommy Bahama laid-back lifestyle is full throttle in its original festive eatery and bar at 1220

Third St. S., Naples; and Coconut Point, 23150 Fashion Drive #101, Estero (tommybahama.com) THE WAREHOUSE A menu dotted with fresh, local ingredients complements an award-winning

cocktail program. 9010 Bellaire Bay Drive, Naples (thewarehousenaples.com) YABBA ISLAND GRILL A fun place for steaks, seafood, and cocktails. 711 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (yabbaisland grill.com)

SEAFOOD

THE BAY HOUSE Overlooking the Cocohatchee River, this eatery features Southern-inspired seafood fare. 799 Walkerbilt Road, Naples (bayhousenaples.com) HOGFISH HARRY’S Showcasing the Gulf Coast’s bounty, Hogfish Harry’s serves up signatures such as monkfish bucco and, of course, grilled hogfish. 600

Neapolitan Way, Naples (hogfishharrys.com) LA PESCHERIA A creative, stellar eatery that honors the culture of Italian fish markets. 474 Fifth Ave. S.,

Naples (lapescherianaples.com) SAILS This bona fide “pescatarian’s haven” features exquisitely fresh seafood prepared to perfection. 301

Fifth Ave. S., Naples (sailsrestaurants.com) SEA SALT Chef Fabrizio Aielli is a master at marrying organic local produce, wild-caught fish, naturally raised meat, and poultry with modern cooking techniques. 1186 Third St. S., Naples (seasaltnaples.com) TRULUCK’S SEAFOOD, STEAK, & CRAB HOUSE Truluck’s owns local fisheries—the catch is always fresh at this fine resto. 698 Fourth Ave. S., Naples (trulucks.com)

l Use Your NOODLE

W h i l e m a n y m a y r e m e m b e r r a m e n a s a s t a p l e o f t h e i r i m p o v e r i s h e d s t u d e n t d a y s , t h e a u t h e n t i c J a p a n e s e d i s h r i s e s t o t h e l e v e l o f fi n e a r t , w i t h t r a d i t i o n a l t o n k o t s u ( p o r k ) b r o t h t a k i n g u p t o 1 2 h o u r s t o c o o k . T h e t r a i l b l a z e r i n N a p l e s w a s N a m b a R a m e n & S u s h i ( n a m b a n a p l e s . c o m ) , w h i c h f e a t u r e s t h r e e v e r s i o n s o f t o n k o t s u - b a s e d r a m e n a s w e l l a s a v e g a n a l t e r n a t i v e .

Ramen lovers now have two new destinations to enjoy the labor-intensive soup. Shojin Ramen Sushi (shojinfl.com) in Fort Myers offers classic tonkotsu. In Naples, Yoko-San Ramen (yokosanramen.com) takes it further, with seven ramen dishes containing chicken, pork, or tofu.

Opened in January, Yoko-San is owned by the husband-and-wife team of Jon and On Augsondthung, who also operate Araya Sushi Asian Grill in North Naples and two locations of Fuji Sushi Bar & Asian Bistro—in the Boulevard Shoppes and at The Pointe at Founders Square. Fuji in the Boulevard Shoppes and Yoko-San share an outdoor patio where customers may order and enjoy dishes from both restaurants.

“We love to eat ramen every time we go to Japan,” says Jon, “and we wanted to introduce the authentic version to Naples.” The couple invested $30,000 in a 400-liter pressure cooker, which reduces the broth cooking time to two hours and extracts more flavor from the bones. Even so, their tonkotsu is so popular they are making broth every two days.

“Ramen is comfort food,” says On. “The flavors are hearty but complex, and the bone broth is healthy for you.”

REAGAN RUSE PHOTOGRAPHER

THE TURTLE CLUB Fresh seafood, fine steaks, and chops are nearly overshadowed by the spectacular beachfront setting. 9225 Gulf Shore Drive N., Naples (turtleclubnaples.com)

USS NEMO UNDERSEA CUISINE & ADVENTURES

Everything is a cut above, but the signature misobroiled sea bass is a must. 3745 Tamiami Trail N.,

Naples (ussnemorestaurant.com)

STEAK

CHOPS CITY GRILL A modern take on the traditional, with prime aged steaks, local seafood, and more than 100 whiskey selections. 837 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 8200 Health Center Blvd. Ste. 100, Bonita Springs (chopscitygrill.com) DORONA Local culinary superstars Fabrizio and Ingrid Aielli have excelled again with this modern

Italian steak house. 2110 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (doronanaples.com) JIMMY P’S CHARRED Known for its Wagyu beef, the popular butcher shop’s steaks and other fine foods are served in the restaurant next door. 1833 Tamiami

Trail N., Naples (jimmypscharred.com)

FRENCH

BLEU PROVENCE Authentic dishes from the South of

France are paired with wines from the vast, awardwinning selection compiled by the restaurant’s owner, Jacques Cariot. 1234 Eighth St. S., Naples (bleuprovencenaples.com) TARTINE & TARTELETTE Authentic, homemade

French cuisine with wine pairings as sweet as the restaurant’s name. 11121 Health Park Blvd., Naples (tartine-tartelette.com)

MEXICAN

ROCCO’S TACOS AND TEQUILA BAR Every day is

Cinco de Mayo at this high-energy eatery. The signature tacos are a hit, along with the savory guacamole, made fresh tableside. 9123 Strada Place Ste. 7135,

Naples (roccostacos.com) TACOS & TEQUILA CANTINA The many varieties of tacos are made with fresh, local products and handmade tortillas. 4834 Davis Blvd.; 8971 Tamiami Trail

N., Naples; 10952 Eagle Village Drive, Fort Myers (tacosandtequilanaples.com)

ITALIAN

BARBATELLA Pizzas and pastas are delish, but don’t overlook offerings like the grilled salmon. Save room for the signature Nutella pizza. 1290 Third St. S.,

Naples (barbatellanaples.com) BAR TULIA This late-night brother of Osteria Tulia serves outstanding pizzas and a variety of irresistible small bites, among other delicacies. 462

Fifth Ave. S.; 9118 Strada Place Ste. 8150, Naples (bartulia.com) CAMPIELLO RISTORANTE & BAR This mainstay on

Third Street South is a perennial gathering place for great food and people-watching. 1177 Third St.

S., Naples (campiellonaples.com) GRAPPINO This latest venture from Ingrid and Fabrizio

Aielli celebrates Fabrizio’s Venetian roots and houses one of the country’s most comprehensive grappa bars. 90 Ninth St. N., Naples (grappinonaples.com) MOLTO TRATTORIA The homemade pasta, sauces, pizza Napoletana, and home-style cuisine are all topnotch. 368 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (moltonaples.com) OSTERIA TULIA Chef Vincenzo Betulia’s authentically rustic venue and “peasant” cuisine are delizioso. 466 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (osteriatulia.com)

ASIAN

DARUMA Visit this Southwest Florida institution for traditional service or teppanyaki-style cooking, an always exciting culinary experience. 241 Center St.

N., Naples (darumarestaurant.com) LE INDYA Having grown up on India’s southern coast, chef Suman Chaniyil creates authentic classics rich with flavor and finesse. 975 Pine Ridge Road, Naples (leindya.com) SUSHI-THAI Presenting traditional dishes from Japan, as well as sushi and Thai classics. 869 103rd Ave.

N.; 7935 Airport-Pulling Road N.; 898 Fifth Ave.

S., Naples; 25101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs (sushithaitoo.com; sushithaidowntown.com)

GLOBAL

BHA! BHA! PERSIAN BISTRO Michael Mir’s popular restaurant serves up savory lamb dishes and a wide choice of colorful and delicious Persian specialties. 865

Fifth Ave. S., Naples (bhabhabistro.com) CELEBRATION PARK NAPLES This waterfront bar and food truck park has something for everyone, from Maine lobster and Greek gyros, to Asian fusion and Southern barbecue. 2880 Becca Ave., Naples (facebook.com/celebrationparknaples) JANE’S GARDEN CAFÉ ON THIRD Having worked in places such as London, Hong Kong, and Frankfurt, the owners offer a world of breakfast and lunch choices. 1209 Third St. S., Naples (janesgardencafe.com) VERANDA E The signature restaurant at Escalante hotel offers an eclectic fusion of Asian and French-influenced flavors in a romantic tropical setting. 290 Fifth Ave. S.,

Naples (hotelescalante.com)