Innehållsförteckning för December 2021 från Naples Illustrated

SELL YOUR FINE ART Provident Fine Art purchases the following: • French Impressionism• Post Impressionism• Old Master• Barbizon• American Impressionism• Hudson River School• Modernism• Post-War• Abstract Expressionism• Contemporary Palm Beach, FL 561.249.7929 125 Worth Ave, Palm Beach, FL Naples, FL 239.259.7777 By Appointment Only ProvidentFineArt.com Shawn David, Director of Provident Fine Art Shawn is a 4th generation art dealer that brings decades of experience to our Worth Avenue gallery. He takes pride in helping clients whether they are building their collection or divesting of pieces they no longer desire. The gallery always has exquisite works for those with diverse and discerning tastes. Pieces include 19th & 20th century French and American Impressionism, Post Impressionism, Modernism and Contemporary works, always vetted for quality and condition. Shawn embodies Provident Fine Arts’ passion…

My heart pounds and my legs shake as I scramble up a muddy, 65-degree slope in the thick of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. It’s been an arduous three-hour ascent through mist-shrouded forest, blanketed in stinging nettles and prickly thistle plants, but the reward is near. I am just minutes away from consummating a wildlife lover’s ultimate dream: face time with the critically endangered mountain gorilla. The excitement is palpable. I’m glued to my guide, Jolie, as something scurries through near-impenetrable thickets above. Our tracker machetes a narrow path forward and six members of the Agashya family come into view. Jolie vocalizes a series of guttural groans, informing the gorilla troop that we come in peace. Within seconds, the dominant silverback—one of three silverbacks in this family of 21—decides to investigate…

Leslie Gentzle knows the most wonderful time of the year need not be the most ostentatious. You’ll never spot an inflatable snowman in the backyard of the interior designer’s Imperial Golf Estates home—nor animatronic reindeer, oversized candy canes or gingerbread men, or light displays synced to the strains of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Instead, above her front door, a simple garland welcomes guests. Adorning it: starfish, sea grapes, and two large ribbons made of twine. “I do not like cold weather. I do not like red. I do not like green. I do not like fluff,” says Gentzle. “I like very natural stuff in my decor—oysters and rope, for instance. I want it to feel like it’s 100 years ago, we’re living on the beach, and decorating with whatever we can…

The cornerstone of Beverly Fanning’s philosophy on life can be summed up by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s famous quote: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Through her Beverly B. Fanning Foundation, the Naples resident supplies love and caring as well as capital, volunteer services, and material goods, all with the goal of easing someone’s burden and improving lives. “My foundation gives me the opportunity to extend my charitable giving and volunteering to organizations, events, or causes that I want to support—where I have a personal connection or wherever I see a need,” Fanning says. “Giving makes me happy. When I give to charities, I like that they know it’s from me, that I care about them. I do not take…

The holidays can be particularly difficult for those on special diets. Few people know this better than Ruth Wardein, owner of Epiphany Gluten Free Bakery, the only bakery in Naples to specialize in 100 percent gluten-free products. “When my father went gluten-free, I didn’t want him to be excluded during special occasions and family gatherings,” she says. “Later on, when I developed celiac disease myself, I decided to help others and not have them feel left out.” She founded Epiphany in 2010, working out of her home kitchen, and opened her own store seven years later. She turns out dozens of items daily, ranging from breads and bagels to pizza crust, Danish, brownies, and desserts like tiramisù and trifles. Some of her best-sellers include soft and chewy gingerbread cookies, sour…

To gain confidence in creating a delicious holiday meal—and learn healthy cooking skills you can take into the new year—try taking a class. Local chef Steve Rose of Naples Private Chef offers in-home and outdoor classes for children and adults. He’s noticed in his classes that many young people lack rudimentary skills. “They don’t teach home economics anymore” in school, he says. “So you’ve got a lot of people, both male and female, who have no clue how to cook.” As a result, he says his basic cooking classes—which cover topics like knife skills, handling meat, and meal preparation—are his most popular. He’ll also often teach participants how to make healthier versions of their favorite restaurant foods. “We’re taking the complete mystery out of it, and they get confidence,” Rose…

Dan Kao, the managing partner of Porsche Naples, grew up in San Diego, California. He moved to Naples with his wife, Lily, two years ago, drawn to the area by “the opportunity to buy the store of my dreams and open my wife’s law firm.” The couple now resides in Naples with their two daughters, Hanna, 14, and Emily, 11, and three pets (an English bulldog, a miniature poodle, and a bearded dragon). Kao’s parents have also relocated to Naples full-time as of last year. While reflecting on what he enjoys most about his business, Kao says: “I love developing people and watching their careers grow and flourish.” His nonprofit passions keep his focus on children, especially the less fortunate. “I also dedicate a lot of time and attention on…

Patti Genko, the force behind Bubbles Mobile Bar, remembers serving at her first event in Naples—a New Year’s Eve party at a local golf club in 2019. “We served Prosecco on tap at that first event and the events manager called us ‘the best prop ever,’” she recalls. Though they do not dispense spirits, she was inspired to add more prop options to her stable: first vintage 1960s Italian Vespa scooters and, most recently, whimsical bicycles. One is a 1970 black-and-silver Western Flyer bicycle built for two. The other two are new beach bikes that Genko wrapped herself; she also added wicker baskets, pink seats, silk flowers, and ribbon streamers. They are called “Pink Roses” and “Garden Party” because “they are inspired by tropical gardens and the Florida lifestyle,” she…

COMFORT ZONE Let this chevron-striped plush throw ($168) from Barefoot Dreams adorn your couch by day and serve as a cozy binge TV–watching cover by night. Saks Fifth Avenue, Naples (saksfifthavenue.com) SWANKY SWIVEL Clad in a material that delivers the durability of microfiber but the elegant look and tailoring of nubuck leather, the Perno swivel chair ($699) by Scan Design is any-where seating with plenty of personality. Scan Design, Naples (scandesign.com) NORTHERN LIGHTS A modern take on the classic Scandinavian pendant, Maxim Lighting’s Nordic pendant ($248) is the epitome of a simple form (available in black, white, or brushed platinum) that delivers supremely stylish results. Lighting First, Naples, Bonita Springs (lightingfirst.us) WOOD YOU PLEASE Composed from cork oak surrounded by bands of mahogany in a dark walnut finish, Currey and…

I’ve gazed at the future of four-wheeled luxury, and it’s got a plug attached. Right around now, Lucid Motors out in Casa Grande, Arizona, is ramping up production of its groundbreaking all-electric Lucid Air four-door luxury sedan. You might have seen the headlines. The flagship Air Dream Performance Edition will deliver a staggering 1,100 horsepower. That’s enough to catapult it from standstill to 60 mph in an eye-watering, heart-palpitating 2.5 seconds. That’s not just supercar fast, it’s hypercar fast. Yet, take the long and winding road to grandma’s house and the battery will give a real-world, EPA-approved, best-in-the-industry range of 520 miles. That’s LA to San Fran on a single charge. Range anxiety? What range anxiety? While this highfalutin halo model stickers at $170,500—the initial run of 520 sold out…

Dragon de Mers transformable clip with a yellow sapphire, sapphires, aquamarines, green tourmalines, turquoise, and diamonds set in gold, Van Cleef & Arpels, Naples, vancleefarpels.com; Trinity ring with a Paraiba tourmaline and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, Coomi, Saks Fifth Avenue, Naples, saksfifthavenue.com. OPPOSITE PAGE: Drop earrings with yellow diamonds and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold and gold, Provident Jewelry, Naples, providentjewelry.com; necklace with multicolored tourmalines and diamonds set in platinum and 18-karat gold, and Schlumberger Languette ring with spessartines and pink sapphires set in 18-karat gold, Tiffany & Co., Naples, tiffany.com. Gypsy Candy Sun large pendant with diamonds, tsavorites, and blue, pink, yellow, and orange sapphires set in 18-karat rose gold, Tamara Comolli, Marissa Collections, Naples, marissacollections.com; Rio ring with blue topaz and diamonds set in 18-karat…

Anthony Quattrochi doesn’t just want you to have dinner at T42 in Estero. He wants you to have an experience. Although he’s worked in restaurants since he was 16, he was most deeply impressed by the years he spent at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, where he worked every food and beverage position in the resort. “I came to realize that hospitality boiled down to just treating people like people,” says Quattrochi. “You want to give them great service and exceed their expectations, but in the end it comes down to respect.” When he opened T42 in February, those were his guiding principles. The restaurant concept is built around the communal enjoyment of small plates, many of which are based on traditional Italian dishes and American bistro classics. They include…

When Hurricane Irma handed lemons to chef Sebastien Maillard, he made his own batch of delicious lemonade. Maillard was the proprietor of the popular French restaurant Le Lafayette when the storm ripped through Naples in September 2017. Visiting the location afterward, he was initially encouraged. “The exterior looked fine, and I thought we’d be able to reopen in 10 days,” recalls Maillard. “But then I went inside, and it was devastating—the ceiling had collapsed, and there was debris and water damage everywhere.” He bounced back in short order, opening another venue—Bistro La Baguette—on Tamiami Trail in East Naples. Initially intended to be temporary, the restaurant morphed into his new home when he was unable to resolve the repairs with his landlord. His sister, Valerie, runs the dining room along with…

Trouble sleeping? You’re not alone. Up to one-third of people in the United States deal with insomnia, according to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. It’s also the most common condition that Dr. Christopher Mendello, a board-certified sleep specialist in Naples, sees in his practice. He says that inadequate sleep, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome are also frequent complaints. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (acting out dreams), typically seen in older adults, is another problem he encounters. Lack of sleep is linked to conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression. Still, Mendello notes that there’s no set amount of time that people need to sleep; it’s different for everyone. “Don’t get hung up on, ‘I don’t get eight hours of…

TIME SURE FLIES. DID YOU KNOW THAT THE NAPLES CONCERT BAND IS CELEBRATING ITS FIFTIETH SEASON? THIS NONPROFIT BAND ENTERTAINS THE COMMUNITY ONE SUNDAY EACH MONTH DURING SEASON WITH LIVE PERFORMANCES OF MARCHES, POPS, SHOW TUNES, AND CLASSICAL SELECTIONS IN CAMBIER PARK IN DOWNTOWN NAPLES. THIS MONTH’S CONCERT TAKES PLACE DECEMBER 5. CONCERTS ARE FREE, BUT DONATIONS ARE WELCOME TO SUPPORT THE BAND AND ITS SCHOLARSHIP FUND. (NAPLESCONCERTBAND.ORG)…

After a lifetime of frequent countrywide moves for career relocations, Jeff and Cindy Babka were ready to put down roots. After retiring from their careers as a chief financial officer and an elementary schoolteacher, the couple looked at beach homes and houses in Old Naples, but nothing matched their expectations. The pair was residing in a Talis Park penthouse in North Naples when they began yearning for the privacy a single-family residence affords. While exploring the lay of the land, they discovered the community’s newest neighborhood, Isola Bella (“beautiful island”), where they found a commanding 4,414-square-foot estate. “This home checked every box ¾and then some,” Cindy says. “There is a little island in the water in front of the house with a large tree. A pelican we named Irvin comes…

What do you do when the guest list grows beyond the confines of your home? The answer is to think outside the box—or, as was the case for this simple but heartfelt dinner for 50, inside the barn. Indeed, sometimes the most unlikely settings can inspire the most delightful gatherings, without breaking the bank. While many shudder at the idea of hosting hoards for dinner, there are times when it’s required; think rehearsal dinners or milestone birthdays and anniversaries. But there are also folks blessed with so many friends who all know each other that entertaining everyone in one fell swoop is a total joy. In the iconic film The Wizard of Oz, the Tin Man is told: “A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by…

Andrew Cilla knows boats. For 40 or so years he headed up Fort Lauderdale–based top yacht brokerage Luke Brown Yachts. And full disclosure here, I came this close to buying a 55-foot Fleming trawler he had listed back in 2011. So, when Cilla decided the time had come to sail off into the sunset, he knew exactly what he wanted in the boat of his dreams. It would need to be in the 50-to-60-foot range. It had to be fast, but not too fast, with a 20-knot top speed. It should have trawler-style lines and be comfortable, economical, and easy to maintain. And it needed to have great outdoor space, with a big back deck for lounging. With the help of acclaimed Sarasota marine architect Michael Peters and John Olson,…

The popularity of craft beer continues to boom in Southwest Florida. Enthusiasts are likely already familiar with Naples-based Riptide Brewing Co., Bone Hook Brewing Co., and Naples Beach Brewery, but beer lovers will also want to check out lesser-known entries on the ale trail. As recently as 2011, Fort Myers lacked a single local brewery. There are now six to check out, including Millennial Brewing Co. (millennialbrewing.com), sponsor of the city’s annual Oktoberfest celebration. Two others have been around nearly as long: Point Ybel Brewing Co. (pointybelbrew.com), a Germaninspired small batch brewery with 20 rotating taps, and Fort Myers Brewing Co. (fmbrew.com), where long-time home brewer Rob Whyte turned his passion into a thriving business. Newer kids on the block include Crazy Dingo Brewing Co. (crazydingobrewing.com), a “farm to pint” operation…

The holidays seem to demand indulgence—if not now, when? Looking back on the last year, these are the bottles I would reach for without hesitation. CHAMPAGNE: The 2018 Cristal from Louis Roederer ($290) is still widely available, and it’s a beauty. It exhibits tropical hints and flavors of lime, vanilla, tart green apple, and red fruits. This Champagne makes an aggressive statement on the palate and can easily be matched with main courses of poultry, veal, or seafood in generous sauces. (louis-roederer.com) If you’re looking for an exercise in hedonism, try the 2007 Cuvée Nicolas François ($175), the luxury cuvée from Champagne Billecart-Salmon. The acidity is mouthwatering, the texture is infused with glorious whispers of wild strawberries and red raspberries, and the finish is extraordinarily long. It has been described…

The cultural scene in Naples is growing at a lightning-fast clip. As Gulfshore Playhouse’s new campus begins to rise, The Naples Players have kicked off a $15 million capital campaign to renovate and expand the Sugden Community Theatre on Fifth Avenue South. By the time the “Upholding the Arts” campaign was officiall announced in late September, the nonprofit community theater had already reached 60 percent of its fundraising goal thanks to the generosity of local arts angels. In addition to prior commitments, Jay and Patty Baker have pledged $2 million in matching funds. The couple has chosen to name the main performance hall the Kizzie Theater. Many other lead benefactors ¾including Henry Price, Tanya and Denny Glass, David Byron and Vicky C. Smith, John and Joanne Fisher, Terry Libby, and…

NAPLES THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER WHAT: Gala of the Royal Horses Traveling Horse Performance WHERE: Naples Therapeutic Riding Center SUPPORTS: The nonprofit riding center’s equinefacilitated programs for children and adults with physical, social, and mental health needs. DETAILS: This elaborate traveling performance featured 11 horses from around the world, including Lipizzaner stallions; Andalusian, Friesian, and Arabian breeds; and an American Quarter Horse led by riding master René Gasser. GREATER NAPLES CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples DETAILS: This sold-out gathering celebrated the year’s accomplishments, recognized outgoing and incoming members of the Greater Naples Chamber’s board of directors, and honored local business leaders. ©2021 Palm Beach Media Group North, LLC. All rights reserved. Naples Illustrated [ISSN 10996303] [USPS # 16626] is published monthly, except June and August, by Palm Beach Media…