Indholdsfortegnelse for January 2020 i Naples Illustrated

Pampered Pet Resorts, which will open in Naples this month, has collared the market on canine-boarding facilities because it’ll be the first in town to offer 24-hour patron access. “That means that pet owners can pick up or drop off their furry family members any time, day or night, 365 days a year,” says co-owner Frank Hake, a construction industry veteran and dog trainer, who’s launching the location with fellow trainer Joyce Aliaga. In addition to boarding and basic grooming, the posh pooch site will have splash pads for water play, artificial turf for outdoor runs, and live video cameras so owners can keep Fido in full view. “We couldn’t be happier to see our vision for Pampered Pet Resorts becoming reality,” Aliaga says. “We’re also looking forward to engaging…

JUST CHILLIN’ There’s no need to scream for ice cream thanks to the Chef’n Sweet Spot ice cream maker ($50), which allows adults and kids to whip up frozen treats in just two minutes. Williams Sonoma, Naples (williams-sonoma.com) DRINK YOURSELF SILLY Infuse some whimsy into your next girls’ gathering with cotton cocktail napkins ($40 for set of four) from August Morgan that depict both the soiree and its aftermath. A Mano, Naples (amano.bz) STATE OF THE ART Fish Kiss products like these dinner plates ($28 each) honor the bond between people and places with hand-sketched drawings of the United States. Paper Lantern, Naples (239-593-4004) SPICE OF LIFE In addition to providing real-world business experience for student participants, Taste of Immokalee sells products like this fire-roasted tomato and jalapeño salsa ($6)…

As romantic as a Cotswold cottage, this lovely four-bedroom home in Old Naples was a joint venture from the start. MHK Architecture & Planning, which is based in Naples and specializes in coastal contemporary projects, designed the 5,300-square-foot residence. After that stage was complete, the homeowners charged Paula Myette, a lead interior designer with Freestyle Interior & Design in Bonita Springs, with completing their vision. “The location is so special,” Myette says. “The home is two blocks from the Gulf and filled with big, old, mature trees. We used a sea salt–colored paint, which is a soft, soft green, on the exterior with a pure white trim.” A mahogany arched front door tops off the exceptionally symmetrical exterior. Myette later added a swing and rocking chairs to the sweeping porch…

Just when we thought we’d seen it all in the world of private island resorts, a new chapter begins in another faraway land. Say hello to Bawah Reserve, a secluded paradise—overwater bungalows included—lost among Indonesia’s Riau Islands, some 150 nautical miles off Singapore. But unlike those before it, Bawah isn’t a single dreamy island. In fact, the reserve comprises an entire archipelago: six stunning islands, three blue lagoons, and 13 white-sand beaches, to be exact. Accommodating only 70 guests over 35 suites but offering myriad dining options, activities, and ultra-luxury amenities, this is the next-level private island splendor we’ve been waiting for. The adventure commences with a grand seaplane arrival. Circling before touchdown, the tiny plane erupts in “oohs” and “aahs” over Bawah’s sheer beauty. Low-lying, palm-studded islets contrast high-rising…

Google the teeny town of Buchloe in Germany’s Bavaria region and the search results will be rather meager. Population 13,000. The Gasthof Eichel is the only bed-and-breakfast in the area. For fine dining you’re pretty much limited to the Hong Kong Garten; I hear the crispy duck with sauerkraut is divine. Don’t believe me? Head to TripAdvisor and hit the “Things to Do in Buchloe” tab and it actually comes up blank. But to automobile lovers with a passion for BMW, a trip to Buchloe is the equivalent of a pilgrimage to Mecca. For there, on Alpenstrasse just out of town, is the headquarters of Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH—Alpina, for short. For the past 50 years, this small, family-owned business has been cranking out some of the most coveted performance…

La Pescheria may be Naples’ best new restaurant, but the cast of characters is well-known to local diners. It’s owned and operated by the Neri family of Molto Trattoria fame. Francesca stars in the front of the house, while her brother, Andrea, is in the kitchen working alongside the chef. But the secret weapon at La Pescheria, as at Molto, is their mother, Liliana. The self-taught cook from Rome arrives early in the morning to create the day’s fresh pastas, breads, and sauces. The Neris came to Naples in 2010 and opened Rossopomodoro, the first U.S. location of the Naples, Italy–based pizza franchise. The pizzeria morphed into L’Angolo and was sold in 2015 (the location is now Caffé Milano), allowing them to focus on Molto, which they’d launched the year…

Some restaurants serve great food; others strike a chord in the hearts of their customers. Since 1999, Bleu Provence has done both. Perhaps it’s chef Lysielle Cariot’s authentic Provençal cuisine, the world-class wine cellar assembled by her husband, Jacques, or the unmistakable warmth of a family business where everyone is welcoming. While working in the commercial food industry and raising their children in France, the Cariots vacationed frequently in Naples. They moved here in 1997 with the intention of retiring, but their leisure didn’t last. Before long, the small café they opened as a hobby morphed into a French restaurant, and Lysielle was using her talents as a self-taught chef to re-create the cooking of the South of France. Start with a classic fish soup with croutons and rouille, or…

The Naples Winter Wine Festival, now in its twentieth year, ranks as the most successful charity wine auction in the country, raising more than $191 million for children’s causes. Each year, festival attendees have a chance to show their support through a live auction featuring extraordinary wines, travel packages, and one-of-a-kind experiences. And their generosity results in vital resources and programs that directly benefit at-risk youth. “Every dollar that is raised under the tent of our live auction goes right back into the community, helping change the lives of the county’s most vulnerable children,” says Joe Masterson, 2020 festival co-chair and grant committee chair. Since the inaugural event in 2001, the festival has impacted more than 45 of the most effective nonprofits in the community, providing 275,000 children with the…

There are plenty of local places to grab a casual meal, but how often do you get to visit a “diner with a conscience”? The concept for Lake Park Diner, the latest venture from Smith Organics, grew out of the group’s popular food truck at Celebration Park, which they use as a laboratory for testing out new dishes. “We believe the demographic of the food business is changing,” says Michael Voorhis, the former chef at The Bevy who now oversees Lake Park Diner’s culinary operations. “Many people want wholesome, healthy food without sacrificing service or quality. We see a pattern where customers no longer choose heavy, fattening dishes that aren’t good for them.” The diner’s menu is dotted with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free items, and the overall emphasis is…

The calming effects of meditation can be difficult to achieve, but sound bathing might make that quest to destress easier. Immersion in sound has been used therapeutically across cultures since ancient times, and it’s currently growing more popular. According to Google Trend data, sound bathing is predicted to be the second biggest wellness trend for 2020, given its 258 percent increase in searches over the last year. The therapy essentially consists of an instructor guiding participants into a meditative state while listening to ambient sounds created by gongs, chimes, crystal bowls, or other instruments. One theory behind its effectiveness holds that the vibrations affect brain waves and lead to a lowered heart rate and reduced feelings of anxiety. Dana Marie House, a Naples-based quantum energy healer, musician, and licensed massage…

GOINGS ON 1 Big Dave’s Polar Plunge, Lowdermilk Park, Naples, $20 suggested donation. (gcrunner.org) Night Lights in the Garden, Naples Botanical Garden, to Jan. 5, $7-$30, free for children 3 and younger. (naples garden.org) 3 Art and Craft Show, Marco Island Center for the Arts, also Jan. 4, free. (marcoislandart.org) 4 Naples New Year’s Art Show, Fifth Avenue South, Naples, also Jan. 5, free. (naplesart.org) 6 Chef Showdown with Asif Syed and Jason Goddard, Grey Oaks Country Club, Naples, $225. (chefswfl.org) 7 Art Inspires: An Artful Evening of Dining and Dancing, benefiting Harmon-Meek Gallery Fund at Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Naples Sailing & Yacht Club, $250. (harmonmeek.com) “Conjuring a Buddha Land: Monuments of Unified Silla” lecture, The Baker Museum Education Space, Artis—Naples, contact for ticket prices. (artisnaples.org) Corkscrew Swamp Meditation,…

NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN WHAT: Sixteenth Annual Hats in the Garden SUPPORTS: Fund-A-Need, Garden for All, which expands access for deserving families WHERE: Naples Botanical Garden. The event was sponsored by Naples Illustrated. THE NAPLES ZOO AT CARIBBEAN GARDENS WHAT: Zoo Gala — Adventure in South America SUPPORTS: Programs that provide an educational and engaging experience that inspires guests to respect and protect wildlife, nature, and conservation. WHERE: The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. The event was sponsored by Naples Illustrated. The Naples Zoo recently opened the 10,000-square-foot Glass Animal Hospital and Smith Animal Commissary. COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF COLLIER COUNTY WHAT: Celebration of Philanthropy HONORS: Nonprofit and civic organizations, and local businesses and philanthropists WHERE: Grey Oaks Country Club, Naples. The event was sponsored by Naples Illustrated. The Community Foundation of…

WHITE WEDDING Designer Jett Thompson of Jett Thompson Home married functionality and elegance in the kitchen of this Moorings home. “The kitchen opens up to the formal living room and the family room,” says Thompson. “It needed to be functional as well as beautiful. French metal wire and glass doors were used to keep the space open and to feel like custom furniture pieces. We used European white oak floors, Ruffino custom cabinetry, Crystalla countertops, Visual Comfort lanterns, and Verellen double-counter stools slipcovered in Perennials outdoor fabrics for easy maintenance. The barn door keeps the butler’s pantry and bar area casual and easy to access, while the antique-mirrored [cabinet] doors give it the high heel it needs to feel a little glamorous while entertaining.” Naples (jettthompson.com) LOUNGE ACT A fusion…

Located on a former coconut plantation between the El Yunque National Forest and Espíritu Santo River State Preserve, St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort has long lured travelers with the siren song of sea and nature. Such gifts, of course, can be a double-edged sword. When Hurricane Maria brought Puerto Rico to its knees in 2017, this iconic resort was among many that suffered damage because of proximity to the sea and a virgin, biodiverse nature preserve. The good news is Puerto Rico has bounced back from the devastation, and resorts like the St. Regis are better than ever. Following a $60 million renovation, the resort reopened with reimagined public areas, fully redecorated rooms and suites, a new restaurant, and a fresh, contemporary aesthetic. Inspired by the natural surroundings, Puerto Rican…

BEST POWER LUNCH Jimmy P’s Charred If you’re looking to power your lunch with protein, this is the place. The Pepper family has been catering to carnivores since 1985, specializing in Wagyu craft burgers and hot dogs. In the dining room, there’s a combination of nostalgia and high-energy sophistication enhanced by a hard-working and attentive staff. (jimmypscharred.com) Runner-up: Campiello If you can’t take a client to Tuscany, bring them to Campiello. In addition to luxuriating on the sun-drenched terrace, diners can indulge in delights such as salume platters, spicy fried calamari, and seafood brodeto, accompanied by a California or Italian bottle from the extensive wine list. (campiellonaples.com) BEST COMFORT FOOD Bill’s Café At Bill’s, they don’t just know your name—they know what you like to eat, where your kids go…

The Naples Winter Wine Festival was established in 2001 with the goal of supporting the Naples Children & Education Foundation’s mission to improve the physical, emotional, and educational lives of underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County. In the two decades since, the festival has grown into one of the world’s most acclaimed wine philanthropy events, a charitable endeavor that to date has raised more than $191 million and bettered the lives of 275,000 local children. For the festival’s twentieth anniversary, scheduled for January 24-26, the trustees have done the impossible: made the event more glamorous and enticing than ever before. Here, we showcase some highlights and share insight into a few of the festival’s direct beneficiaries.…

BARTULIA Cocktails: NONNA’S GARDEN & SAN JUNIPERO Inspiration: At chef Vincenzo Betulia’s restaurants, quality ingredients extend to the cocktail program. Nonna’s Garden and San Junipero, two gin-based elixirs, benefit from homegrown juices and herbs. The former employs strawberry juice and oregano to highlight the honey aroma from the Barr Hill aged gin, while the latter complements the crisp Junípero gin with cucumber juice and mint for a clean, savory sip. (bartulia.com) SEA SALT Cocktail: PURPLE HEART Inspiration: This vibrant cocktail, made with Empress 1908 gin, lemon juice, ruby red grapefruit, and London Essence Co. bitter orange and elderflower tonic, strikes a refreshing balance of floral and citrus notes. Small-batch distilled, the gin owes its unique profile to botanicals such as juniper, rose petals, ginger root, and butterfly pea blossom, which…

For the past two decades, the cheapest way to experience Costa Rica has been to dine at Sunburst Café. Sitting under the huge mural of jungle life, you can almost hear the wild birds and touch the tropical palm fronds—and the coffee is just as special and authentic. “We’re great fans of the café culture and always seek them out when we travel,” says Graham Caven, who purchased the café from Jerome Tocio about a year ago. He and his wife, Rita, have made a few changes, but one thing they haven’t altered are the famous muffins, which are still baked according to Tocio’s recipe. As of October, the café is a Blue Zones Project–recognized restaurant, meaning the breakfast and lunch menus now boast numerous healthy options such as omelets,…

While a lot of seafood is billed as “fresh,” only a small subset literally comes directly from the boat to consumers. Dilly’s Seafood is passionately dedicated to providing the second category. Tim Dillingham (aka Dilly), a full-time commercial fisherman, founded Dilly’s Seafood in 2018 alongside his lifelong friend Gary Rudd. He navigated the seemingly endless stream of licenses, permits, and restrictions to work as both a wholesale and retail dealer, thus eliminating the steps between water and plate. To ensure that his fish is as fresh as possible, he goes out for 14 to 30 hours at a time, in contrast to the five-to-six-day runs of most commercial fleets. “I’m committed to a true, authentic, locally caught product,” he says. “I want people to see the fish before they eat…

LAPLAYA BEACH & GOLF RESORT Prefer to stay local? Head to LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort right here in Naples and immerse yourself in the overnight Wellness Wanderer package. Self-care begins with pampering in the 4,500-square-foot, indoor-outdoor SpaTerre. The menu offers a range of services, from a traditional Swedish massage to an exotic ancient earth clay wrap. The spa also boasts a full-service salon, facials, and age-defying treatments. Book a personal room with a private balcony so your masseuse can open the glass doors to let in the balmy Gulf breezes. Afterward, enjoy a soak in a traditional Japanese relaxation tub. The Wellness Warrior package includes a welcome gift with a backpack and LaPlaya yoga mat, an hour with a personal trainer, a signature stone massage, a bike rental, an…

In many ways, the story of residential real estate sales in Florida in 2019 was a repeat of 2018. But several economic and housing uncertainties could change the narrative for 2020, including availability of homes for sale, stock market performance, mortgage interest rate levels, and the outcome of the presidential election. Forecasting the real estate market is tricky. Consider 2019: At the beginning of the year, sales were down sharply and available inventory was rising, says Brad O’Connor, chief economist at Florida Realtors. “Out of the gate, our forecast for 2019 was initially on track because mortgage rates were quite high in late 2018 compared to where they had been, and that was putting a damper on the market,” he adds. “We didn’t have an expectation that rates would be…

The days of red brick and brass poles are over—at least in Naples. The city’s glistening Fire Station No. 1, which opened last year, is both a critical piece of civic infrastructure and an architectural thing of beauty. The 22,000-square-foot building sits on a site next to City Hall that has been home to fire stations since 1945. Designed by ADG Architecture, which has offices in Fort Myers and Port Charlotte, Station 1 cost $9.5 million and also serves as the city’s Emergency Operations Center. While the looks of it may be stunning, the key word is sturdy. The facility houses a computer-filled command center that can take a direct hit from a tornado, according to Naples Fire-Rescue Department Chief Pete DiMaria, and it also was built to withstand a…

Gordon Lewis has never been one for flash. The only golf course architect who’s called Collier County home for more than four decades, Lewis has left a big imprint on the local golf landscape, although he’s not one to boast. A short list of Naples courses that he’s designed includes Bentley Village, Eagle Lakes, Heritage Bay, Glen Eagle, and Quail Village. With at least 50 designs in Collier and Lee counties alone, the plainspoken Oklahoma native has frequented the fairways in recent years while overseeing multiple renovations. Last year, however, the Neapolitan was as busy as he once was during the region’s building boom from the 1980s to mid-2000s, designing three new courses—at Ave Maria, Babcock Ranch, and on Burnt Store Road in Charlotte County. NI took a swing at…

Higor Valle has learned quite a bit about the art of enjoying wine. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, he began in the restaurant industry as a busboy and worked his way up the hospitality food chain in various front-of-house roles. Today the Advanced Sommelier manages and oversees the wine program at The Continental in Naples. In celebration of this month’s Naples Winter Wine Festival, Valle shares his expertise to help everyday wine enthusiasts take quaffing and storage to the next level. (damicoscontinental.com) NI: What wine glassware should every home bar have? Valle: For entertaining, the must-haves are a set of white wine or all-purpose glasses and a set of wider, bigger glasses, what one would call Burgundy or Rhone glasses. Aromatic reds, such as Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir, become more…

Perfection is the most elusive state to attain—yet Fabrizio Aielli strives for it every day and succeeds more often than not. For his passion, attention to detail, altruistic endeavors, and ongoing commitment to excellence, he is this year’s best chef. Growing up in Venice, he had access to the best seafood of the Adriatic coast. He worked in some of the finest restaurants in Europe and the Caribbean before landing in Washington, D.C. Along with his wife, Ingrid, he established three highly successful eateries in the nation’s capital: Goldoni (1995), Osteria Goldoni (1998), and Teatro Goldoni (1999). Along the way the couple spent time in Naples, and the chef was captivated by the area’s resemblance to his native Venice. After relocating here they established Sea Salt, which opened to much…

VINTNERS Wine is the raison d’être of the festival, and this year’s lineup represents a new generation of the best and brightest. The honored vintner is Saskia de Rothschild, who took over one of the world’s great wine estates at the age of 31 and is now joint manager of Château Lafite Rothschild and chairwoman of Domaines Barons de Rothschild. Will Harlan will be in attendance, representing Promontory, the Harlan family’s latest Napa wine estate. He’ll be joined by Shannon Staglin of Staglin Family Vineyard, Emily and Paul Michael of Peter Michael Winery, Michael Rooney of Bodega 202, and the charismatic Jean-Charles Boisset, proprietor of nearly three dozen wineries around the world. This group of emerging vintners will be accompanied by icons of the wine world such as Piero Antinori,…

If any dish is synonymous with Vietnam, it is pho. Pronounced “fu,” this savory soup comes in many variations, with street vendors across the country putting their own signature on it. At its core, pho is a broth dotted with rice noodles, seasonings, and meat—yet comparing it to a noodle soup is like calling the Goodyear blimp a balloon. Pho’s origins are unclear, although it’s believed to have first surfaced in the early twentieth century. The most logical theory links it to the French occupation, since both the name and the dish itself bear a resemblance to the Gallic pot-au-feu. Nowadays, the composition and taste varies as you travel from north to south. Pho Bo, the most common, typically contains eight types of beef (including flank steak, fatty brisket, tripe,…

Two decades ago, a group of local philanthropists in Naples got together with the common goal of helping underprivileged and at-risk youth. What the founding trustees of the Naples Winter Wine Festival probably didn’t realize at the time, however, was that their brainchild would become the top wine charity event in the world, raising more than $191 million to date for children in need. For the twentieth anniversary of the festival, held on the Paradise Coast January 24-26, the trustees have assembled a group of vintners who represent a unique blend of established icons and emerging stars, all of whom will be paired with a celebrity chef for the series of dinners on Friday evening. This year’s honored vintner is Saskia de Rothschild, who became chairwoman of Domaines Barons de…

Southwest Florida theatergoers have two chances to catch the biggest Broadway hit of the twenty-first century this month. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton will be at Artis–Naples January 1-12 and the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers January 14-26. After reading Ron Chernow’s biography on Alexander Hamilton, Miranda was inspired to immortalize the first Secretary of the Treasury in a hip-hop-infused musical that premiered in 2015 and went on to win 11 Tony Awards. Miranda found something universal in Hamilton’s rise from an orphan to a founding father, and touring cast member Paul Oakley Stovall, who plays George Washington, notes that the story is one that we can all relate to. “For all of its wild, innovative spirit, it simultaneously tells a very traditional hero’s journey story that hits…

NAPLES CHILDREN & EDUCATION FOUNDATION WHAT: Volunteer Appreciation Brunch HONORS: Volunteers who support the programs of the Naples Children & Education Foundation, which seeks to improve the physical, emotional, and educational lives of underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County. WHERE: Waterside Shops, Naples NAPLES CHILDREN & EDUCATION FOUNDATION WHAT: Twentieth Anniversary Kickoff Celebration HONORS: Naples Children & Education Foundation trustees who support the Naples Winter Wine Festival, which is celebrating two decades of funding children’s programs in Collier County. WHERE: Aboard the Naples Princess JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WHAT: 2019 Business Hall of Fame, Collier County HONORS: Outstanding entrepreneurs who serve as role models for youth through their professional accomplishments and commitment to the community. WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton, Naple Visit our website at naplesillustrated.com Naples Illustrated and Palm…