Gulfshore Life August 2022

RISING TIDES FUTUREMAKERS ISSUE COLLABORATION, INGENUITY AND PRIDE OF PLACE FUEL SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S NEXT GEN

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Fe a t u re s

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8 — GULFSHORE LIFE

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0 8 — 202 2

Contents Departments

— I n Ev e r y I s s u e

— Insider

28 Editor’s Note

36 Artist Profile: Brandon Robertson mixes a fresh sound for jazz

52 Personalities: Angela Page starts a rebellion

44 Table Service: Celebrating local farms in a jar

62 Guest List: People + Places

30 From the CAB 32 Gulfshore Treasures 192 Parting Shot

Insider

Table Service

44 David McCone, of Naples Canning Co., extends the season of Southwest Florida farms with his

Brian Tietz

preserves and pickles.

16 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

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N A P L E S • E A S T N A P L E S • B O N I TA S P R I N G S • M A R C O I S L A N D

0 8 — 202 2

Contents Departments

— Home

— Healthy Life

— Taste

132 On the Rise: Developer Rebekah Barney breaks new ground

160 Sporting Life: Naples swells as a surf and skim destination

170 Tastemaker: Sails’ five-star chef

142 Stylish Living: Laidback luxury in Port Royal

166 Editors’ Pick: A clean, beachy home scent

175 Dining Guide: 150-plus essential restaurants

148 Design Notes: Mixing wood and stone

Home

Stylish Living

Designer Wendy Berry blends warm woods, architectural ceilings and elegant finishes to achieve relaxed luxury in this Port Royal redesign.

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24 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

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

Dwayne Bergmann Conceptual Artist & Designer, Dwayne Bergmann Interiors 2020 Man of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shelly Stayer President/Co-Owner, Johnsonville Foods 2013 Woman of the Year

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

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

C o m m u n i t y A d v i s o r y B o a rd

M a k i n g G u l f s h o re L i fe

On the Cover Shot on location at the Sugarshack Media’s music sessions basecamp in Bonita Springs by Omar Cruz. The model wears dresses from Theme Dresser. Read about the Sugarshack group on p. 78.

Model Marisa Russo, Next Management Miami Stylist Anna Ruiz HMUA Gabby, Duality Artistry

RISING TIDES FUTUREMAKERS ISSUE COLLABORATION, INGENUITY AND PRIDE OF PLACE FUEL SOUTHWEST

AUGUST 2022

26 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

GULFSHORELIFE.COM

FLORIDA’S NEXT GEN

Fro m T h e Ed i t o r

With more people moving to the

I’ve been fascinated by Sugarshack

play high-rise of our dreams on

region full-time and native sons

Media (“The Sound of Things to

the Caloosahatchee River, further

and daughters returning home or

Come,” p. 78) since I moved here in

encouraging the neighborhood’s

sticking around and committing to

2019 and heard about the grassroots

rebirth. In Naples, Julia Hall Lie-

the long run, our towns are becom-

music movement they’re building

geois (“A Room of Her Own,” p. 90)

ing more cosmopolitan and diverse.

out of a historic bungalow in down-

is taking everything she learned

Some fear that means Southwest

town Bonita Springs. I’ve also been

from her designer mother and the

Florida will lose its character. We

floored watching jazz player Bran-

local talent she’s been exposed to

see the opposite happening.

don Robertson (“From the Soul,” p.

over the years, to design spaces

Young people are championing

36) perform at The London Club and

that are creative expressions of the

causes that protect more of our

was eager to learn his story. Assistant

people who live in them.

wild spaces, building brands that

editor Zahra Khan loved writing

In talking to all these individu-

dig into local lore, and collaborating

about a young female athlete shat-

als, we see countless examples of

to create the local-first community

tering stereotypes, with her story on

collaboration. ‘It’s not about com-

they want to live in. This isn’t new. A

Surf Naples’ founder who dominates

petition, it’s about community,’ is a

giving spirit and local pride have long

in the male-dominated sport of

common sentiment.

defined Southwest Florida, but with

skimboarding (“Skim Deep,” p. 160).

Through all this, pride of place is

these generations planting roots,

And, after a recent dinner at Sails

flourishing. We can’t wait to see and

we see those values being amplified.

Restaurant, senior editor Samantha

report on what the future holds.

Forget what’s happening in Miami

Garbarini had no doubt that chef

and New York. What can we do here

Darren Veilleux (“Raising the Sails,”

that’s uniquely our own?

p. 170)—the 30-year-old behind the

These Futuremakers are eager to

restaurant, one of the most refined

discover, recover and preserve our

and exciting in the region—was the

region’s raw character. We see that

person to represent the next gener-

all throughout this issue, which is

ation of culinary maestros.

many ways is the truest expression

This issue celebrates those

of our editorial staff. Most of us are in

Futuremakers and people like

our 20s and 30s; we’re an even split

David McCone of Naples Canning

between locally reared and trans-

Co. (“In a Pickle,” p. 44). David

plants. Our senior writer Jaynie

was so inspired by the local bounty

Bartley stands behind everything

he saw as a chef, that he created a

Love Your Rebellion (“Rebel Yell,” p.

line of canned goods to capture

52), the nonprofit she writes about

those farm flavors. Second-gen-

in this issue, champions: inclusiv-

eration Southwest Floridians are

ity, equal rights, self-expression.

reinforcing the region’s character, too. The daughter of an influential downtown Fort Myers developer, Rebekah Barney (“Urban Legend,” p. 132) is building the live-work-

28 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Stepha n ie Gra nada Editor in Chief

Anna Gunselman

Momentous Shift

WHERE

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Blazing Trails Creative, bold, innovative, fear-

Over the years, our community

Let’s encourage those who

less, talented and imaginative.

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imagine a new future. Support

These are a few descriptors for

owners, artists and innovators to

your friends and family who have

people devoted to making a mark

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in their fields of expertise, their

This wealth of intellectual capital is

passion for making a difference.

communities and the lives of those

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Let’s be bold and fearless. Let’s

who share in their journeys. As a

munity evolves. I love to think about

become known as the innovation

creative, I’m constantly trying to

the future and imagine what we can

and creative hub of the South.

discover new and exciting ways

create. How can we become a hub

to bring unique products and

for innovation of all varieties? How

materials to Southwest Florida. I

can we foster the arts and promote

like to draw inspiration from our

cultural development? How can we

amazing environment and utilize

address some of our generation’s

its resources to create products

most critical social challenges?

and concepts to share with the rest

Thankfully, we have entities, such

of the world. With each new cre-

as the Collaboratory in Fort Myers,

ation, we impact our future. And,

that are leading the charge in

when people look back at history,

thought-creation, idea-generation

I want them to think of our region

and problem-solving.

and those of us working here as

Once the winter home of famous

fearless champions of our cultural

inventors Henry Ford and Thomas

and natural riches.

Edison, Southwest Florida is rooted

D way ne Berg ma n n Conceptual Artist & Designer; 2020 GL Man of the Year

in innovation. We have the historical connection, the capital resources, the environment and the talent.

Celebrating those making major strides in their fields is one of the best ways we can promote and foster the momentum needed to make

Brian Tietz

a real difference.

30 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

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Gulfshore Treasures Punk-rock singer Angela Page (third from left) runs Cape Coral nonprofit Love Your Rebellion and its namesake zine (a self-published magazine) with the core mission of amplifying marginalized voices.

She’s assembled a cast of creatives to run her board of directors, regardless of race, gender, age or sexual orientation. Read more about Love Your Rebellion on p. 52.

32 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

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36 A r t i st P r of i le: Br a ndon Rob er t son m i xes a f r esh sou nd for ja z z 4 4 Ta ble S er v ic e: C elebr at i ng lo c a l fa r m s i n a ja r 52 Per son a l it ies: A ngela Pa ge st a r t s a r eb el l ion 62 Guest L i st : People + Pl ac es

I n s i d e r — A r t i s t P ro f i l e — By Tre e M e i n c h — P h o t o g r a p h y b y C h r i s L a ke

From the Soul As the head of Florida Gulf Coast University’s jazz program, the basketball band and his own jazz quartet, Brandon Robertson shapes the region’s sound.

Spoiler alert: Jazz is a metaphor. Plenty

protected him—a tortoise-like shell over

of writers have waxed poetic about

his tiny frame traversing one of the city’s

improvisation: Embrace the unexpected;

most under-resourced neighborhoods. “I

adapt in the now; roll with whatever

had this large instrument covering me,”

comes next. Jazz can also be a paragon

Brandon says. “All the way through col-

of versatility. The greats, for example,

lege, no one messed with me.”

must master the rules, principles and

At 36, the lifelong Floridian is now

fundamentals but also break past them

spearheading a new jazz studies program

to carve out novel creations. All this

at Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU)

could be said of Brandon Robertson’s

Bower School of Music & the Arts. He also

music career. It could also be said—as

directs the school’s basketball band, fronts

Brandon does—that jazz saved his life.

his own jazz quartet, performs with the

His music career started with a dou-

lauded Dan Miller Collective and main-

ble bass on loan from his elementary

tains a laundry list of other side projects

school. Brandon was 10 years old when

and programs. You may know him from

he started dragging the hulking instru-

the Brandon Robertson Soul Hour podcast

ment to and from school in Tampa in the

(which returns this month with guest Neal

mid-’90s. It wasn’t until he was much

Caine, a bassist for Harry Connick Jr.) or

older that he realized to what extent it

the 2018 Suncoast Emmy nomination he

snagged for a documentary featuring the

He credits three constant forces for

Lamar. “Jazz should not sound like it did

propelling and guiding him: his wife,

when it first came out,” Brandon says. “It

Like any good success story, his road to

(who he met while studying at FSU),

should always be progressing.”

these destinations was riddled with unex-

relentless gigging and supportive men-

Another of his core principles relies on

pected turns, including his arrival at Florida

tors. The latter inspired him to focus

turning one person’s trash into his own

State University (FSU) in Tallahassee as a

his professional energy on the next

treasures, or “blossoming it,” as he puts

clueless freshman in 2004. He recalls his

generation of jazz musicians. He tells his

it. “It’s like Nicholas Cage said in National

mom’s boyfriend dropping him off alone on

students: “Be a good person first,” citing

Treasure—one of the worst movies ever.

campus, straight out of subsidized housing,

early mentor Bob Dogan, a Tallahassee

‘It took Thomas Edison 2,000 ways to

with $100 to his name and a full-ride schol-

jazz pianist who passed two years ago. “If

figure out how to not make a light bulb,’”

arship to study music. “Welcome to life,” is

I’m a good human being first, everything

Brandon says. (You see what he did there,

how Brandon describes it.

else will work itself out.”

with a trash movie?)

FGCU Jazz Ensemble.

His mother, Faith Michelle Stephens,

Brandon has a mental quiver full of

He recognizes that failure is vital to the

was an accomplished gospel singer until

these maxims, reclaimed from films, life

process. For him, this meant saying yes

a drunk driver plowed into her car one

experiences and mentors. He routinely

to every opportunity early on, especially

night in 1994, temporarily paralyzing her

hurls them at his students, just like Bob

the gigs no one wanted. That willingness

and bringing her career to a screeching

did to him, while imparting jazz knowl-

once got him into a room playing for

halt. Brandon’s grandmother sent him to

edge. His innovative take on the genre

Dan Marino, where the retired Dolphins

an afterschool program that reintroduced

incorporates pop, R&B, hip-hop and

quarterback handed him a $500 tip. And

him to music. The moment he touched a

culture-at-large. In the classroom, he

it landed him touring jobs with the Zach

bass, it was clear he had inherited some of

may pivot on a dime from Miles Davis to

Bartholomew Trio and the Count Basie

his mother’s skills.

Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick

Orchestra. Often, though, it meant fail-

38 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

I n s i d e r — A r t i s t P ro f i l e

Brandon is creating a full-fledged jazz studies program at Florida Gulf Coast University, with the help of an endowment started by philanthropist Dorothy Guigon. He aims to turn FGCU’s Bower School of Music & the Arts into a top institution for aspiring jazz musicians.

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 39

I n s i d e r — A r t i s t P ro f i l e

He often plays at The London Club in Naples and The Barrel Room in downtown Fort Myers, where he performs with other local greats like Dan Miller.

40 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

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I n s i d e r — A r t i s t P ro f i l e

Brandon is working on his second album, The Pursuit, which he says represents his arrival as a musician.

ing, or flailing, with a commitment to

community. Three years later, Brandon

True Story. Where that debut collection

learn and open as many doors as possible.

was in conversation with Dorothy Guigon,

of songs paid homage to his roots and

That explains why, after earning his mas-

a Fort Myers resident, philanthropist and

coming-of-age in traditional jazz, his

ter’s of music in jazz performance at FSU,

supporter of the Bower School of Music.

new work, The Pursuit, out next month,

Brandon pursued a part-time teaching job

Dorothy recently made the first donation

represents evolution. “That first album

at FGCU in 2016—despite the school not

toward an endowment for a full-fledged

was therapeutic for me,” he says. “This

having a jazz program. He needed to relo-

jazz studies program at FGCU.

next project is going to be the arrival.”

cate to Southwest Florida with his wife

Off-campus, he’s still gigging. He often

Listeners can still expect his traditional

and child to be near family, so he talked

plays at The London Club in Naples. But

roots, but with elements of pop music and

the faculty into letting him teach one

his weekly sessions at The Barrel Room

social issues layered in tracks like “A Song

jazz class and lead the student jazz club

in Fort Myers are where he lets loose and

for Breonna Taylor.” The end goal is to give

while dreaming up something bigger.

plays the music that comes straight from

his audience a feeling of rest and freedom.

The jazz club promptly evolved into

his soul. That’s where you see Brandon,

“I like my music to create a space of clar-

a performing ensemble, which earned a

the artist, the musician, the performer.

ity,” he says.

2018 Emmy nomination and significant

He’s also preparing to release the fol-

respect and attention from the broader

low-up to his 2019 album Bass’d on a

42 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

In other words, he offers a slice of what jazz has always provided for him.

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I n s i d e r — Ta b l e S e r v i c e — By J e n n i f e r R e e d — P h o t o g r a p h y b y B r i a n Ti e t z

In a Pickle David McCone—who recently opened a brick-and-mortar for his Naples Canning Co.—captures the flavors of local farms in a jar.

44 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

David McCone is a young man working to

sauce, salsa, jams. The preservative-free

perfect an old tradition.

canned products keep for two years. “It’s

The 34-year-old created Naples Can-

the same as we’ve been doing for hun-

ning Co. three years ago, inspired by

dreds and hundreds of years,” he says. In

Southwest Florida’s bounty and a desire

front of him is an oversized bowl filled

to capture its just-off-the-vine flavors.

with late-season Kirby cucumbers, ready

He is—for now—a one-man operation

for pickling, and a 10-pound block of aged

that partners with local organic farmers,

Vermont cheddar—the foundation for his

transforms their produce into various

pimento cheese, a product he developed

jarred and pickled foods, and sells them

about a year into his venture and which

on his website, at Naples’ Third Street

now accounts for a third of his sales.

South Farmer’s Market and at his five-

Naples Canning Co. may be grounded

month-old retail shop, The Farm Stand

in tradition, but David’s approach to

at Naples Canning Co. in Bonita Springs.

canning is more gourmet than grandma’s,

He offers a peek at his process one April

more high-end than homespun. He did,

morning when I visit his commercial

after all, serve as a chef in some of Naples’

kitchen in North Naples, where he devel-

finest establishments, where he refined

ops recipes, produces his goods and stores

his techniques and discovered specialty

his inventory—pickles, heirloom tomato

ingredients, like imported vinegars and

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 45

the 15-or-so varieties of heirloom tomatoes that go into his salsa.

David’s journey into the culinary world was winding. He’s a Michigander whose parents worked in the automobile industry and often whipped up Hamburger Helper-assisted dinners for their three boys. He glimpsed alternative culinary traditions watching celebrity chefs Ina Garten, Martha Stewart and Jacques Pépin. Those shows planted the seed— though it didn’t sprout right away. David studied marketing and finance at Grand Valley State University. After graduation, he followed a friend into a financial advising firm but kept his summer gig at a momand-pop restaurant. “I kept finding myself really connected to the kitchen,” he says.

The restaurant’s owner agreed to let him move from serving to cooking, encouraging his self-study of the trade.

About a year into his financial planning job, David quit. The work simply didn’t resonate. He hurled himself into the culinary arts and joined his brother in Naples in 2013, intending to spend the next few years hopping from city to city, working his way up the kitchen ranks. He found a position—and a future bride—at Café The 34-year-old works with organic growers in the area,

Lurcat and didn’t look back. “I didn’t have

like Inyoni Organic Farm and 12 Seasons Farm.

any interest in moving anymore,” he says.

Instead, he advanced through Naples’ dining scene, joining the founding staff of The Continental and then serving as executive sous chef at The Bay House. The

46 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

I n s i d e r — Ta b l e S e r v i c e

Midwesterner gravitated toward Southern cuisine for its simplicity and emphasis on fresh, seasonal fare. David also bonded with area farmers who supplied the restaurants, developed a deep appreciation for their organic produce and started ruminating on how to best capture, preserve and present it during summer when almost nothing grows here. “As a chef, I was always thinking about that: How do we use seasonal produce year-round?” he says.

He discovered a strange truth about the region’s agricultural industry along the way: “Southwest Florida is one of the largest agricultural food hubs in the world, but a lot of the food leaves

A former chef, David develops recipes with specialty

here,” he says. Crops are shipped across

ingredients, like the Champagne vinegar that goes into his

the nation, residents don’t connect

bread-and-butter pickles.

with locally grown products, and even today, in an era when many praise farm-to-table cooking, few restaurants partner with area farmers, he explains.

David left the kitchen to pursue specialty food sales and carve out more time for family. But he never stopped thinking about local produce, how to capture its peak flavors and how to introduce it to the community. Such concerns—and a need to earn extra money for his wedding—led to the creation of Naples Canning Co. He started with pickles. “They’re the little secret chefs use to elevate a dish,” he says about the crunchy, salty kitchen staples. He developed a bread-and-butter variety, that became a hit among the

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 47

I n s i d e r — Ta b l e S e r v i c e

While his concoctions draw from the long tradition of canning, products like the bloody mary pickles and mixed berry-and-lavender jam reflect the modern influences of his generation.

farmers market crowd. Older customers

David works with fruits, too, eschewing

Francisco’s Good Food Foundation’s

say his blend reminds them of childhood.

commercial pectin (a thickening agent)

Good Food Awards. The peppers—a

“I think mine are more traditional, more

and instead reducing vast quantities of

blend of jalapeños, Fresnos, shallots and

old-school,” David says. He uses about

berries into super-concentrated spreads.

apple cider vinegar (“a little heat, a little

half the customary sugar, favoring

His lemon-blueberry blend is popular;

sweet”) made it into the competition’s top

Champagne vinegar and Florida-grown

the strawberry-rose is sentimental—

five. He’ll tweak the recipe and re-enter

sweet onions instead. He later branched

when his Ukrainian wife was a child, her

this year, hoping to earn a spot among

out to dill and, more recently, introduced

grandmother made a similar version from

the top three and the national exposure

a bloody mary pickle that mimics the

the blooms in her garden.

awarded to those finalists.

zesty cocktail with horseradish, black

He’s working to earn national recog-

The recipes matter, but the key ingre-

pepper and tomato powder. “It’s a great

nition. Last year, he entered his pickled

dient is the produce. David partners with

snacking pickle,” he says.

cucumbers, jicama and peppers into San

two organic farms, Inyoni Organic Farm

48 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

I n s i d e r — Ta b l e S e r v i c e

in Naples and 12 Seasons Farm in Fort Myers. The owners grow vegetables to specification (small cucumbers, for example, yield the best pickle flavor and texture), and David processes the foods within a day of harvest.

David’s farm partners value that he doesn’t cut corners. At the commercial kitchen, he hand-grates the 10-pound block of cheddar for the pimento cheese, which is rustic with course strands of cheddar and chunks of peppers.

Later in the day, he’ll tend to his new storefront in Bonita Springs, where he features his products and those of other independent artisans and small producers—his way of helping promote others with similar passions and shared journeys. That, he says, is what sets his work apart. “When a farmer picks something with their hands and presents it to you straight from the farm, there’s a world of difference. There needs to be more

Earlier this year, David opened The Farm Stand at Naples Canning

awareness of that. I’m not just trying

Co. in Bonita Springs, where he stocks his and other artisans’

to produce products to sell. I’m trying

handmade goods.

to sell you 12 Seasons Farms. I’m trying to present Inyoni Farm cucumbers,” he says. “I’m trying to preserve their peak-season flavors.”

50 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

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I n s i d e r — Pe r s o n a l i t i e s — By J a y n i e B a r t l e y — P h o t o g r a p h y b y A n n a N g u ye n

Rebel Yell Cape Coral’s Angela Page amplifies marginalized BIPOC, LGBTQ and neurodiverse voices through her arts-centric nonprofit, Love Your Rebellion.

52 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

When Cape Coral’s Angela Page takes the stage with her punk-

and a namesake zine (or self-published magazine). The tatted

rock band, Except You, she commands attention. Dressed in

30-something has rallied a group of LGBTQ advocates, BIPOC

ripped fishnet tights, cut-off jean shorts and combat boots, she

young professionals and badass women around her cause. “A lot

holds the microphone upside down, her head tilted to the ceiling,

of nonprofit boards have a dollar amount attached to them,” she

grasping the mic cord with her other hand as she belts out the

says. “We don’t want your money. We want your time, your brain

lyrics. “Singing is a part of the long legacy of my affinity for music

power, your collaborations—who can you bring into our grass-

and performance—all those things wrapped together,” the theater

roots movement?”

major-turned-lead singer says. “There is something theatrical about the way I perform.”

The Fort Lauderdale native, who holds a master’s in creative and critical writing (she quickly switched from theater to writing

Off stage, she writes poems, scouts local bars for emerging

while in undergrad), was teaching at Edison State College (now

musicians and runs a nonprofit, Love Your Rebellion (LYR),

Florida SouthWestern State College) when she published her

which advocates for marginalized groups through arts events

first issue of Love Your Rebellion in 2011. That set the stage for

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 53

I n s i d e r — Pe r s o n a l i t i e s

Through Love Your Rebellion, Angela hosts fundraising events for like-minded nonprofits and publishes a zine with art, poetry, journaling prompts and bold graphics that reflect on topics like gender identity and mental health.

her ’90s-style, punk-infused organization, inspired by female rock icons like Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hanna and Hole’s Courtney Love.

She also drew from the DIY fan zines of the time, with their cutout photos and ransom-note headlines tagging feminist poems and short stories in typewriter font. “Many people throughout history have not been given the opportunity to publish, simply because of their race or gender, and zines take that power back and create this straight line to the audience,” Angela says. “You don’t have anyone censoring you, editing you, telling you what to say, and it ends up being really authentic.”

Angela leaned on an all-female writing group she started in 2015 to create her core team. The group hosted a launch party for LYR Volume 7 that inspired the annual Babe Fest concert fundraiser in 2016, which evolved into Angela turning LYR into a nonprofit two years later. Now, she uplifts budding and established artists through events like Murals on Tour, for which board members Cesar Aguilera and Danielle Branchaud take point with Angela on commissioning paintings for roving exhibits that speak to social inequity. Cesar’s symbolic Realm of the Four Parts, displayed at Cape Coral Arts Center, reflected on his Incan ancestors and how their story has been skewed and cast as uncivilized over the years.

Drawing from her musical upbringing (her immediate family is made up of musicians), Angela’s big on the underground music scene. She’s the lead singer in her punk band, which released its first EP, “Never Relax,” this summer. The grunge and screamo rockers of the ’90s inspired her sound, and her vocal range shows it. “It’s a lot of women yelling, and it was always something I found really empowering because anger is not really an emotion that ‘looks pretty’ on women,” she says, gesturing with air quotes.

From the band’s recent release, “I Don’t Owe You Anything:” Do you hate how I speak?

Or just what I say?

If I don’t care, It’s because I don’t owe you anything.

54 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

I n s i d e r — Pe r s o n a l i t i e s

Aecuptatur aut quo et mossit con eum etus, coribus nonse.

Arts ferum hil ea dolor soluptati cuptat. Corro conet dolorro erum volo que lautem quiommodi optur rem Ignisquam inveria seria ssincil ilignia doluptae occustem iliquidus, nat quas

Love Your Rebellion’s board includes a rockstar roster of locals who lend their perspectives and talents.

“We don’t want your money. We want your time, your brain power, your collaborations,” Angela says.

From left: Annie Pritchard, Tara Calligan, Jason Teeters, Angela, Danielle Branchaud and Ambrose Sullivan.

When she’s not practicing or performing, she scouts live

is best-measured in social and cultural currency. “Bringing a

shows to recruit talent for music-based LYR fundraisers,

national act that’s diverse is great for the public because they

like Rock For Equality, Punk Brunch and Sonic Masquerade.

get to see something that isn’t offered here. On the flip side, for

The main event, Babe Fest—which takes place in Cape Coral

the local musicians, it’s a great opportunity to make connections

and Tampa, where the festival’s co-founder, Victoria Huddy,

that could further them in the future,” Angela says. “Every little

lives—pairs national headliners with local acts representing

thing helps, and we’re glad to be a piece of the puzzle.”

minorities, women and queer communities.

Going through recent issues of LYR—sold online and at a few Lee

LYR always splits the proceeds with other nonprofits that

County art centers, including Alliance for the Arts—the message

support disadvantaged or disempowered groups. Board member

is unapologetically bold: Brooklyn-based Latina writer Christine

Jason Teeters, who mentors businesses and nonprofits at Fort

Stoddard’s witty poem “Sorry for the Delayed Response to your

Myers nonprofit the Collaboratory, helps Angela build commu-

Email” touches on generational differences; board member Dan-

nity partnerships. In the past, LYR has contributed more than

ielle’s surreal painting of a nude woman surrounded by erupting

$2,000 to the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, Showing Up for

volcanoes represents grace amidst the fire and mess; and Cesar’s

Racial Justice SWFL and Planned Parenthood of Central and

coffee-stained charcoal and collage piece, Overanalyze, touches on

Southwest Florida. Last November, LYR partnered with Fort

themes of self-image and toxic beauty standards. Angela credits

Myers arts center Neenie’s House and clothing brand Injoy to

longtime board members and graphic designers Michelle Caraway

raise $4,000 to feed local families. While the dollar amounts may

and Annie Pritchard, who joined in 2015 and 2016, respectively,

seem low compared to other area nonprofits, the group’s value

with refining the brand’s look. She points to photographer Jesi

56 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Where the locals shop…

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I n s i d e r — Pe r s o n a l i t i e s

Cason for the engaging photography, including highly editorialized cover shoots—often starring Angela surrounded by a diverse cast of creatives, ranging from visual artists to musicians to drag queens. For the most recent issue, themed Riot, Jesi photographed the models dressed in gowns, crowns and jewels while tending to the garden at Fort Myers’ Remedies Parlor. The message: Nurture yourself in times of scarcity; create abundance within to thrive.

A few years ago, Angela tapped her good friend, Rebecca Martinez-Thomas, a San Francisco-based licensed marriage and family therapist, to add mental health exercises, like journaling prompts that encourage you to plant seeds for things that bring you joy and guided meditations. A grant from the City of Fort Myers allows the group to donate 500 printed issues of LYR, which publishes biannually and is archived online for subscribers, each year to Fort Myers’ Abuse Counseling & Treatment

She also sings in a punk rock-band. “It’s a lot of women

(ACT). The nonprofit uses the zine as a resource for survivors

yelling,” she says, proud to challenge stereotypical ideals of

of domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assault.

how women should behave.

I n s i d e r — Pe r s o n a l i t i e s

Family owned since 1974 Last summer’s issue, themed Metamorph, encouraged readers to heal through reconnecting with nature. The issue, dedicated to ACT with its mental-health focus, had worksheets centered around the four elements of matter. An activity called “Gather Your Resources” had readers fill a water bottle with their values—reflecting on the idea that our values are essential resources that ebb and flow like water and which we can draw from to cleanse, quench and create in our every day lives.

In 2019, Angela created a zine library inside Neenie’s House to stock titles from around the country, like the poetry-filled

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Corazón de Pollo, LGBTQ-positive Agender Agenda and Black Beans, dedicated to Black culture. “We’ve always published artists and writers from marginalized groups; that was the point of Love Your

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Rebellion,” she says.

Though LYR was born of Angela’s wild imagination, the punk-rock virtuoso credits her distinctive team for putting the words into action. Board member Ambrose Sullivan, who identifies as nonbinary and advocates for the autism community, uses their experience as a podcaster and Twitch streamer to bring fundraising efforts online. Newest board member Tara Calligan, who works as a producer for WGCU and co-hosts the Three Songs Stories: Biography Through Music podcast, weighs in on marketing strategies. To promote the events, Angela turns to graphic designer Annie to create hand-drawn posters that reflect the zine’s grunge vibes.

“I like seeing other people shine; I like seeing other people have a place,” Angela says.

“And, sociopolitically, I am an anarchist, I am a feminist and I believe there should be space for everyone.”

Debbie W Nelson 60 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Debbie@BlueRooArtNaples.com

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1 Aimee Eckenrode, Jamie Gibbs 2 Dan & Kathryn Mezzalingua 3 David & Megan Goebel 4 Anita & Tomaz Lovse 5 Dr. Rebecca Kosloff, Bridgett Riley, Dr. Chaundre Cross 6 Don & Darlene DeMichele 7 Mike & Polly Mancuso, Karen & Mike Grimm 8 Soren & Allison Christensen, Lila & Adam Peters 9 Beverly Fanning, Dave Gibbons 10 Susan & Jennifer McCurry 11 Christine Stahl & Dr. Richard Lublin

62 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

7

Insider — Guest List — Photography by AP Alexander

Bucket List Bash /

Hosted at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, in support of American Cancer Society

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 63

Charity Classic Pro-Am Pairings Party /

Hosted at Bay Colony Golf Club in support of The Immokalee Foundation

64 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Insider — Guest List — Photography by AP Alexander

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1 Jim & Susan Pinkin 2 John & Crystal Tobe

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3 Katherine Button Bell, Jim Nyquist 4 Marie Hernandez Rubenstein, Noemi Perez 5 Dan & Ramona Ustian, David Devorkin 6 Don O’Neill, Peter Jacobsen 7 Don Fites, Joyce Hagen, Curtis Strange 8 Jerry Belle 9 Robert & Jennifer Carmignani, Nadine & Ken Ullman 10 Larry & Cheryl Andrews, David & Carrie Gordley

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 65

Under the Big Top Gala /

Hosted at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, in support of Gulfshore Playhouse

66 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Insider — Guest List — Photography by AP Alexander

1

1 Tyler Smith, Ashley Dewji, Suzanne & Norman Cohn

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2 Guests gather under the tent.

3 Patty Baker 4 Kristen & Paul Hiltz, Vicki Tracy

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5 Jeff & Teresa Heitman, Pamela & Fred Sasser 6 Tennille & Aaron Sevigny 7 Hula-hoop performer from Quixotic Fusion 8 Joyce & Tom Butz 9 Valerie & Nizar Ghoussaini 10 Barbara & George Franks

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 67

Insider — Guest List — Photography by Reagan Rule

Hope Gala /

Hosted at Elite Jets in support of JDRF

1 Susan Thomas, Kathy Cleeland 2 Dena Rae Hancock, Rob Caito 3 Brian & Susan Solomon 4 Jessica & Scott Shwedel 5 Barrie Tsiskakis

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5 68 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

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Insider — Guest List — Photography by Reagan Rule

Hope Gala /

Hosted at Elite Jets in support of JDRF

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1 Kaleena Figaro 2 Gisselle & Jorge Calleja, Chris Lombardo 3 Gabriella & Enoch Showunmi 4 Jamie & Meghan Houde, Dani Marie Glickson, Breanden Beneschott

70 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

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72 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Insider — Guest List — Photography by AP Alexander

Heart Ball /

Hosted at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in support of American Heart Association

2 1

4 5

1 Kelly & Matthew Zwack, Caitlin & Jan-Erik Hustrulid 2 Kara Down, Kevin Aspegren 3 Sonya & Brian Sawyer 4 Kathy & Michael Oliva 5 Wilfredo Emanuel & Gary Harlan

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

“It ’s a special spot and it just produces creativit y f rom it ... Ever ything that happens in this little space is powerf ul.” —Spencer Paterson, Sugarshack Media’s aerial operator

78 B on it a S pr i n g s ’ Mu sic a l Pow erhou s e 9 0 Na ple s ’ Ne x t- G en M a x i m a l i s t D e si g ner

T H E

S O U N D O F T H I N G S T O C O M E

Sugarshack Media roots modern streaming culture in community through their 1940s Bonita Springs bungalow where they record their live music sessions.

By Stephanie Granada Photography by Omar Cruz

The Sugarshack guys launched their music channel in 2014 with a focus on live, acoustic sessions.

“

L

et’s start vibing,” Eddie Kopp says. It’s a muggy June

There are many roads you can take when talking about Sug-

evening and Eddie—the founder, director and lead

arshack: A business magazine may write about the company’s

editor of Sugarshack Media—and his team are ready

meteoric rise and the digital marketing savvy that got them

to roll with the night’s performers, Bachaco, a Latin reggae-rock

there. A music site may dissect the group’s technical prowess

outfit from Miami. Sugarshack’s audio director, Alex Casement,

for producing label-quality content and their influence in pro-

and Eddie spend about 30 minutes figuring out the band’s com-

pelling modern reggae. An architectural journal would wax

position. The stage is tiny—much smaller than it appears in the

poetic on the 1940s Bonita Springs bungalow where they film

videos. “When bands come through and first see the space, you

their acoustic sessions that broadcast to 348,000 subscribers

can see the shock on their faces. They’re like, ‘Oh, this is it? It’s

and millions more around the world.

so small! OK, let’s do it,’” aerial operator Spencer Paterson says.

But, at the heart of the story are five guys with a synergetic

It’s part of the magic, a word the group often uses to describe

bond and shared love of music. “We were friends before any-

what happens at a Sugarshack Session—the live, acoustic

thing else,” Eddie says. The 30- and 40-something-year-olds

recordings they’ve been streaming on their YouTube channel

have been building Sugarshack together since the beginning;

since 2014.

they share equal credit for successes and flack for the misses.

While Eddie and Alex deliberate, Spencer and Sugarshack’s

But Eddie is the connector. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he gradu-

art director, Arian Antonucci, set up their cameras, and director

ated from the military eight years ago and went on to focus on

of photography Justin Kaczmarek claims his post at the camera

the things he loves: playing drums, wakeboarding. He started

dolly. The scene is charged but easy. The men have their chore-

to dabble in filmmaking while curating a list of creatives who

ography down.

could be part of something bigger.

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81

Bands come from all over to record in the palm-covered Sugarshack backyard. The group also shoots commercials for nonprofits and startups, but music is at the heart of everything they do.

82 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Garden gnome mascot, Gnomeo (above), has played a starring role in Sugarshack videos since the beginning. Sessions are shot about three times a month, with a small audience of friends and family. Recently, the group partnered with Airbnb Experiences to offer 10 VIP-access spots for the public to attend.

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 83

The team is mostly self-taught, with each one lending their unique skills and talents.

Eddie recognized the talent around him: Arian was a fellow

emotion that gets lost when you have the amps and everything

wakeboarder and art director for local watersports start-up

set up … It’s all produced, whereas, when you have the acous-

Gator Boards. Alex played in local band Orange Juice and

tic guitar, that’s their fingers, their voice creating the sound,”

graduated with a music degree from the Conservatory of Music

Spencer says. “You see the artists’ true talent,” Eddie adds. They

at Purchase College in New York. Justin worked with Eddie at

don’t do much to edit the sound, and they embrace imperfec-

Ruth’s Chris Steak House and was refining his craft as a pho-

tions, often rolling with the first take. The hawks screeching

tographer when he was pulled into the project. Spencer went to

overhead, the crickets in the background—it all becomes part

high school with Eddie and was the ultimate jack-of-all-trades.

of a song. In shooting and editing, the team plays with filmmak-

“I was like, ‘I don’t have much money, I own one camera—but

ing techniques and lighting to amp up the dream-like effect.

I have this idea and you guys all love music, so you want to try

“Oftentimes, people will end up liking the acoustic versions of

this out?’” Eddie says.

the songs we do better than the originals,” Alex says.

Eddie also recognized the potential in the downtown Bonita

Over time, the music sessions grew into a music label, which

home he shares with now-fiancee, Lisa Hamilton. The group’s

grew into a full-fledged media company (with commercial work

namesake base, the Sugarshack, is a gem—one of those thor-

for local startups and nonprofits), which evolved into them all

oughly Old Florida properties shrouded in palms, with a high

quitting their day jobs and committing to the project. It’s all

acreage-to-square-footage ratio. Sitting on a tributary of the

happened organically. The next venture will be some version

Imperial River, the home has a large backyard with a gazebo

of a music venue in downtown Bonita, which they hope to

and boat access. The yard flows into the neighbors’, but no one

announce this fall.

worries about fences or restricting access.

Though they don’t subscribe to any genre—they’ve had

At the June session, a guest suggests that the home should be

hip-hop, Americana and alt-rock groups come through—the

added to the National Register of Historic Places. “This is where

guys have an affinity for modern reggae. Slightly Stoopid was

the authentic history of Bonita Springs is being created,” says

a major get; so was Grammy-winning Soja and chart-topping

Kyle Moran, whose investment firm, Moran Kennedy LLC, has

Big Mountain. They have their sights set on O.A.R., Sturgill

its sights set on downtown Bonita’s evolution.

Simpson, “and Jack Johnson, of course,” Arian adds. When

“The house is everything,” Eddie notes. Before the music

they discuss their favorite moments, it’s not the bands’ star

channel was formed, Eddie shot a makeshift video for his

power that stands out, but the vibe and moments created. “I get

friends’ band on the 12-by-12-foot deck, where Sugarshack

goosebumps when I think about the session we did with Etana,”

Sessions are now filmed. Watching the three musicians play in

Justin says, referring to the Grammy-winning Jamaican singer

the Florida night, he knew he had something special: “I thought,

they recorded in 2018.

‘This is it; we’re going to do this for every band.”

After the sessions, bands get a turnkey package with videos,

He recruited his crew and together they created a YouTube

clips and photos they can use to promote themselves on social

music channel, where they stream live, acoustic recordings

media. Since most of the Sugarshack guys are musicians first,

from the Sugarshack. The subtropical setting is perfect for

they can relate to artists and understand their needs. The bands

the modern reggae bands they mostly work with; the home’s

also get exposure through the Sugarshack channel, and Sug-

rustic appeal, ideal for the stripped-down sessions. “There’s an

arshack banks on the artists’ audiences. “If you look at a map,

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 85

From left: Eddie Kopp, Justin Kaczmarek, Arian Antonucci, Alex Casement, Spencer Paterson.

you see Florida and this little bubble growing. And then we get a band from California, and you see a bubble pop up there. Then you have New York, and suddenly those bubbles start blending and you have the entire United States covered,” Alex says. Those bubbles now stretch as far as Brazil (their number two market), New Zealand and the Philippines.

As they grow, they’re adamant that the original Sugarshack locale in Bonita will always be part of the equation. A few times a month, about 30 people descend on the home when it becomes an outdoor recording studio. Being mindful of neighbors, all guests receive headphones, and the music winds down by 9 p.m.

It’s never been an issue. If anything, people cheer them on from across the creek or stroll over for a beer and a listen.

The fact that Sugarshack has grown organically, doesn’t mean it’s been easy. The project is a labor of love, and with these guys, the phrase doesn’t seem trite. The mostly self-taught bunch has learned as they’ve gone and slowly built on their successes.

The gravel driveway is now covered in cement, allowing a more stable platform for cameras and comfortable seating areas for guests. The $40, DIY softboxes Justin created using gifted bulbs and Home Depot tubs have been replaced by pro-grade Aputure lighting. Instead of chips and salsa set out for bands, there’s now a hospitality arm with catering and a bar. “There’s something special about the core five. We’ve navigated huge roadblocks.

Other people would have called it quits,” Eddie says. “But the fact that it’s us five in it is 100 percent the reason we’ve been able to make it work and persevere.” They learn from each other, have each others’ backs, hold each other accountable. “For us, this is a dream job,” Arian says.

Everyone plays a grounding role in the group: Arian, the oldest, is the father figure (he’s also dad to the group’s first “Sugar Baby,” his 5-year-old Mia). Audio engineer Alex, who also handles the team’s finances, comes at things from a studious and

86 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

“If you look at a map, you see Florida and this little bubble growing. And then we get a band from California, and you see a b u b b l e p o p u p t h e r e . T h e n y o u h a v e N e w Yo r k , a n d s u d d e n l y . . . yo u h a ve t h e e n t i re U n i t e d S t a t e s cove re d .” — A l e x C a s e m e n t G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 87

philosophical perspective. When asked about his love of music,

“Chino” Yong, the director of strategy and development and an

he refers to science and how audio waves powerfully affect the

SEO whiz; audio assistant Barrett Zablo; social media coordi-

mind and body. Spencer is judicious and ingenious. He’s the guy

nator Nick Chionis; David Alpert, who helps with sponsorships;

who will MacGyver his way into building a drone from scratch.

and Bryce Ivie, the co-owner of the local kratom tea brand Good

Justin’s the jokester, always making the group laugh (“He’s like

Fellow Botanicals, who oversees hospitality. Bryce leads the

our little brother,” Eddie says. “And a real Florida man—always

new partnership with Airbnb Experiences that allows anyone

barefoot, he loves nature.”). Eddie’s military background comes

to purchase tickets to attend a session (until recently, they were

through in his ability to organize and mobilize his troops.

invite-only and limited to friends and family). The owners of

People gravitate toward the guys’ charisma and genuine belief

Chartreuse, the wildly popular craft cocktail bar up the street,

in the art and mission. The “Sugar Wives”—as the group affec-

usually show up to mix drinks, and chef Greg Letsch comes down

tionately calls their significant others, who form the supportive

from St. Petersburg, FL, with his smoker and Southern-inspired

backbone of the operation—are usually at every session, so is

recipes to feed everyone. Everyone chips in with their talents;

the expanding team, including a designated golf-cart driver to

they see the potential and want to be part of the magic.

shuttle guests between the house and a parking lot down the

The Sugarshack home is filled with tokens of affection from the

street (another courtesy for the neighbors). There’s also Elard

community and beyond. There’s a bag of the coffee Naples’ Narra-

Sugarshack is working on a downtown Bonita Springs music venue that they hopes to announce in the fall.

tive Coffee Roasters developed for them. Local woodworker Mike

shattered before a performance in 2016, and Spencer jury-rigged

Richards made the marquee that welcomes bands. A neighbor did

it back together. Later, Arian’s friend Victor Ovelar, a Fort Myers

the painting of Hawaii-based The Green—the first farthest-vis-

frame artist, properly resealed and repainted the ceramic, bring-

iting band—that hangs in the living room. After catching the

ing it back to life. “In a way, Gnomeo is representative of us,”

session, she went home and promptly recreated the scene. “It’s

Justin says.

a special spot and it just produces creativity from it, because of

At the June session with Bachaco, the skies gave out. The team

what the band brings, what we try to bring to capture it, what

pivoted and adapted, shooting as much as they could until they

their roadies experience—everything that happens in this little

eventually had to postpone. “Now, you’re getting the true Sug-

space is powerful,” Spencer says in an episode the group taped

arshack experience,” they commented. Things go wrong, sched-

for their new podcast. The guest bathroom is filled with fan art,

ules are improvised and plans change. But, everything flows.

too—most of which pays homage to a key member, Gnomeo, a blue

Clustered under canvas tarps, with the chef’s smoker going,

garden gnome that makes a cameo in every session.

bistro lights illuminating the space, and other young creatives

A housewarming gift from Lisa’s mom, Gnomeo sat on the deck,

discussing the music and their own passion projects, you can see

where band after band encouraged the group to leave it planted

what the fuss is all about. The brand’s reach may be global, but

until it became a trademark of the Sugarshack brand. Gnomeo

the magic happens at the Sugarshack in Bonita Springs.

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 89

Photography By Dan Cutrona

B Y AY N - M O N I Q U E K L A H R E

A ROOM OF HER OWN

With a knac k for layered spaces, antiques and maximalist interiors, Julia H a l l L i e g e o i s r e f l e c t s a n e w, b r i g h t e r age in interior design.

When Julia Hall Liegeois was young, her mother took her along on design jobs over the summers. “I’d watch her meet with clients or choose fabrics, and I saw these homes being transformed,” Julia says. “I would see fabric on a roll, then it would become a sofa or a pillow.”

Those early experiences shaped Julia’s aesthetic, which is best reflected in her home.

From the outside in, the Old Naples bungalow is “bold and whimsical, elevated and dramatic,” she says. The exterior is painted in black-andwhite cabana stripes; oversize, emerald-green foo dogs guard a boxwood-covered wall. Inside, it’s an eclectic mix of furnishings punctuated by vivid colors: a red velvet sectional in one room, a teal end table in another. “I buy things I love, and I don’t care what style it is—it all ends up working together,” Julia says.

She has a knack for antiquing, and sometimes unlikely pieces end up as the stars of a room, like a worn rug framed as art, a Maitland-Smith birdcage as a sculpture, gilded French Louis chairs covered in feminine floral upholstery, or a coffee table handmade by a local artisan.

Naples’ artistic talent fills her home, including paintings by Carmelo Blandino, Marti Koehler and Gullah folk artist Jonathan Green. Her home is always changing as she finds new things and older pieces move on. “Sometimes my mom will come in and be like, ‘This is perfect for a client,’ and she’ll take it,” Julia says with a laugh.

92 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

The Naples native likes to layer antiques with modern palettes: “I buy things I love, and I don’t care what style it is—it all ends up working together.” She may pair Terje Ekström Lounge Chairs with Simon Vargas art and a Moorish head planter (left) from when she visited Italy for friends Jay and Courtney Hartington’s wedding. The home is filled with personal elements. The 6-foot-tall Maitland-Smith architectural birdcage (on the previous spread) was inherited from her late stepmother, Dorothy Breen.

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 93

94 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

With four kids, Julia knows a thing or two about chic, elevated design that’s liveable. Here, she’s seen with 10-year-old Olyvia and 13-year-old Lana. The room has Matouk bedding and artwork by former Naples resident Jonathan Green, known for his vibrant depictions of Gullah culture.

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 95

Growing up with local design legend Judith Liegeois as a mother, Julia was exposed to the craft early on. She developed a sharp eye that draws from site visits with her mom as a kid, her family’s travels to museums and fine hotels, and her French grandmother’s affinity for layered, antique-filled spaces.

96 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

This approach to design—unpretentious, always evolving—informs her new boutique interiors firm, Julia Hall Designs. “I’m always growing and refining,” she says. And it mirrors a local trend: As more people live here full-time, the emphasis is shifting away from decorating coastal-themed getaways, and toward more personal, layered spaces that incorporate inherited furnishings, collections built over time, and bolder colors and patterns.

For the Naples native, those roots run deep. Her mother, interior designer Judith Liegeois, imbued her with an appreciation for the craft early on: “My mother always had a deep appreciation for art and design, and would constantly point out the intricacies and nuances of the places we visited—from the layout to the materials to the color of the throw pillows. She taught me that everything has a place and nothing happens by accident.”

Her father is French, and on visits back to his home country, Julia would encounter a totally different style: “My grandmother had the plates on the walls, the grand wooden furniture—it was a maximalist style, something maybe you’d see up North, but certainly not in Naples in the 1980s.”

Julia grew up in Naples and moved to France as a teenager. She came back in her early 20s and studied interior design and hospitality management, learning about scale and color theory and the back-end workings of hotels.

“I’d always loved beautiful restaurants—I

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 97

love the designs that Richard D’Amico does—and learning about how hotels were built with, say, secret passageways so the guests wouldn’t see staffers with the laundry,” she says. A single parent at the time, Julia worked in various industries over the years: restaurants, finance, in an attorney’s office. “As much as I loved design, my focus was on being a mother,” she says.

All the while, she fueled her passion for interiors through books and magazines and by decorating her own home. “I love to push boundaries—if you say, ‘Let’s paint the wall,’ I say, ‘Let’s paint the whole room and the ceiling, too!’” she says.

By late 2019, she found herself working in her mother’s showroom. “I wore a lot of hats; it was stressful, but I loved it,” she says. In January 2020, she had her youngest son—in addition to her daughter, who’s now 13, she shares a son with her partner, Frank McMackin, plus his son and daughter from a previous relationship—and quickly went back to work with the support of her parents and in-laws. But soon, the situation was untenable: She was juggling four kids, a full-time job and postpartum depression.

Within a year, her stepmother and aunt were killed in a violent attack, and then her father-in-law suddenly passed away.

“I lost three very important people in my

98 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Julia, who studied design and hospitality management, likes to echo the whimsy of restaurant and hotel interiors.

“I’d always loved beautiful restaurants—I love the designs that Richard D’Amico does—and learning about how hotels were built with, say, secret passageways so the guests wouldn’t see staffers with the laundry,” she says. Her stepson, Quin, is seen at left reading a book in the room he shares with his younger brother.

life in a short time,” she says. “It was the way I lost them that was so difficult to overcome—all so unexpected.”

Julia took time off work to regroup, and as she began to reemerge, it was clear that something would have to change.

Frank encouraged her to branch out on her own with a boutique approach, only taking a few clients at a time. The push helped Julia launch her brand last November. Her design is guided by her own style and creativity, and she continues to learn on the job and by the book (recent favorites include Summer Thornton’s Wonderland: Adventures in Decorating and Celerie Kemble’s Island Whimsy).

She’s grateful to have grown up within a design community because it means she can tap longtime Naples pros for advice. “I love collaborating, and I still go to my mom—more often than I’d like to admit—for advice,” Julia says with a laugh. “I don’t claim to know it all, I just want to learn; I’m a sponge.”

Humble, open, willing to try something bold, to take what she likes and discard what she doesn’t—that approach, combined with an innate love and talent for design—poises Julia to carry the next generation of Naples design. “I’m always trying to learn more,” she says. “I’m still on my road.”

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 99

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MELANIE MOGELVANG HOVLAND, P.A. BROKER ASSOCIATE

I firmly believe in putting the client first.

I love working with people and catering to their individual needs. My clients remark positively on my local knowledge, process expertise, responsiveness, and negotiation skills.

A Naples native with extensive real estate experience, Melanie is a graduate of Walnut Hill School of the Performing Arts and the University of South Florida and holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance. Melanie specializes in mortgage banking, real estate accounting, commercial property management and brokering. From her work as a loan officer for the largest Florida real estate developer through to real estate agent and then on to Broker Associate, Ms. Hovland is a seasoned professional with firsthand local knowledge.

® 1144 Third Street South, Naples, Florida 34102 | 239.450.4387 | melanie@gcipnaples.com | www.gcipnaples.com

DR. MELISSA IRVINE, DNP Clinical Sexologist

Doctors are good about addressing symptoms with drugs and other therapies but at what point do you address underlying issues like hormonal deficiencies?

Underlying physiological causes and symptoms should be treated together to optimize outcomes for patients.

Dr. Mel Irvine, DNP, SWFL’s premiere Clinical Sexologist, is passionate about having patients learn and explore their sexual health, an integral part of the human condition given extraordinarily little consideration. Revolutionizing sexual medicine and HRT, she offers a holistic approach, educating and empowering individuals in medical and nonmedical treatments to make the best-informed decisions to fulfill their most intimate needs. Patients find her solutions life changing, not just in the bedroom, but affecting their overall quality of life.

9250 Corkscrew Rd suite 5, Estero, FL 33928 | (239) 351-5663 | www.drmelirvine.com

ALLISON KEEVAN Owner & Lead Designer

Life is too short to not live for the now.

Surround yourself with flowers & say yes to that glass of champagne.

Flora & Fauna was born out of two passions, celebrating life through flowers and bringing people together. Our new brick & mortar boutique, coming next season, will be an immersive experience providing bespoke florals, curated homewares and an array of champagne & wine offerings.

719 12th St S. Naples, FL 34102 | (239) 494-7096 | www.floraandfaunaflower.com

REV. LISA LEFKOW CEO

Having the vision is not enough. It takes the support of our donors, volunteers, Board, staff and especially our incredible partner families to build homes and communities.

Habitat for Humanity of Collier County brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. In partnership with donors and volunteers, qualifying families build homes that they purchase with a no-interest mortgage tailored to their affordability needs.

With the stability of their own home, parents can finally break the cycle of poverty and watch their children achieve their dreams.

Since 1978, more than 2,400 families have found a pathway to affordable homeownership through Habitat Collier.

11145 Tamiami Trail East | Naples, FL 34113 | (239) 775-0036 | habitatcollier.org

DONNA MCGINNIS President & CEO

Take the seat at the table when it’s offered to you.

As President & CEO, Donna is responsible for Naples Botanical Garden’s continued growth as a world-class cultural organization and a leader in finding nature-based solutions to daunting environmental challenges. Her expertise is in audience expansion, organizational development, and fundraising. Donna serves on the Board of Directors of the American Public Gardens Association and the Suncoast Chapter of the International Women’s Forum. She also holds a leadership role with the American Alliance of Museums.

4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples, FL 34112 | (239) 643-7275 | www.naplesgarden.org

JOYCE OWENS FAIA RIBA Principal - Architecture Joyce Owens llc

As an ambassador of modern design, A.J.O. redefines the experience of working with an architect.

Our team takes pride in providing a unique comprehensive design service which includes architecture, interiors, furniture, lighting, and, an unparallel attention to detail.

Joyce Owens, FAIA, RIBA, has led her architecture/interior design practice in Southwest Florida since 2007, designing sensitive and suitable commercial and residential buildings and interiors particularly appropriate to Florida’s tropical climate. Already the recipient of the American Institute of Architects Florida State Chapter (AIA Florida) Medal of Honor for Design in 2020, Joyce has been awarded the 2022 AIA Florida Gold Medal, the highest award for lifetime achievement and, is proud to be the first woman in the state chapter’s 110-year-history to receive the honor.

Sanibel | Captiva | Naples | Bonita | Fort Myers | (239) 425-5773 | www.studioajo.com

DARLENE RODDY REALTOR®, CLHMS, CRS, CNE

Selling Real Estate is a business but for me, it’s also about building relationships that last long after leaving the closing table. Whether You Are Buying or Selling, In the End... It Is Personal!

Growing up in the Midwest, I take great pride in using my expertise, resources, and global connections to perfectly unite extraordinary places with the extraordinary buyers who will cherish them as I do. Over the last 22 years, I have had the opportunity to share my knowledge and guide my clients through the intricacies of buying and selling property in Naples and Marco Island. I offer a highly personalized concierge service tailored to everyone’s needs.

® 1144 Third Street South, Naples, Florida 34102 | www.gcipnaples.com

CATHY ROGERS CHLMS, CRS, GRI, SRES, ABR

It is essential that you seek a qualified professional, one that you trust and have the ultimate confidence in their knowledge, commitment and attention to detail.

An accomplished and award-winning global real estate advisor, Cathy Rogers has extensive knowledge of the local market, focusing on Marco Island and Naples. She has consistently ranked in the top 1% of REALTORS®, achieving over one-half billion dollars in sales volume. In 2022, Cathy closed three record-breaking sales on Hideaway Beach: the highest-priced residential sale ever recorded ($11.875 million), the most expensive lot sale of all time ($6 million), and the highest-priced villa ($6.5 million).

760 N. Collier Blvd., #101, Marco Island, FL 34145 | (239) 821-7926 | cathy.rogers@premiersir.com | marcoareaexpert.com

TABER TAGLIASACCHI, PA Broker / Owner

Taber is a full-service realtor. She serves as your personal concierge during your entire real estate process, attending to all the details. She has an eye for staging and what attracts buyers, has a complete list of vendors to help you spruce up your property, and her negotiation skills are outstanding.

Calusa Bay Properties is a boutique real estate brokerage firm that specializes in luxury Naples properties and offers concierge services. We pride ourselves on delivering results, achieved through market knowledge, a strong work ethic, professional integrity, innovative real estate marketing, and the ability to clearly communicate with our real estate clients. Our attention to detail creates an environment of professional, informed, and friendly service that has consistently proven to be successful as the top selling team in Pelican Bay year after year.

BAY 1 PELICAN R E A LT O R 2 0 2 2

#

®

795 Myrtle Terrace, Naples, FL 34103 | (239) 593-5533 | www.calusabayproperties.com

MICHELLE THOMAS Sales Associate, CLHMS, CREN, GRI

It’s incredibly gratifying to help customers find their dream homes as well as help them sell their properties quickly and for the highest price possible.

An award-winning professional with over two decades of experience in the Naples and Marco Island real estate market, Michelle Thomas is well-known for her deep familiarity with the area. Specializing in everything from luxury golf course estates to gorgeous Gulf-front condominiums, she has a passion for pairing her customers with pristine properties.

Michelle leads the #1 real estate team in Collier County and Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

7711 Collier Boulevard, Suite 105, Naples, FL 34114 | (239) 860-7176 | michelle.thomas@premiersir.com | michellethomasteam.com

VICKI TRACY C.O.O.

Being able to work in the epicenter of Naples finest neighborhoods with the amazing team at GCIP has been the highlight of my career.

Vicki is called on often by her peers and colleagues for her leadership skills and philanthropic work. With multiple degrees, and an extensive background and startup companies and takeovers, she leads the operations side of Gulf Coast International Properties.

Tracy’s career lauds extensive experience with several prestigious startup firms and development projects in Naples over the past 45 years.

Including but not limited to The Arlington of Naples, a luxury senior living community where is she tirelessly led the local effort of the project from land acquisition to opening. She is a passionate senior advisor.

® 1144 Third Street South, Naples, Florida 34102 | (239) 572-3799 | vicki@gcipnaples.com | www.gcipnaples.com

ILKAY TURK Founder / Artist / Designer

Be unique, be stylish and create innovative wearable art.

The “one of a kind” designs are created by artist/designer Ilkay Turk, who was born in Istanbul, Turkey. Ilkay developed a strong interest in the art world, where her innovative art brought her international recognition. Ilkay creation of unique custom-made artwork, mixed with innovative designs, and a strong business acumen are the foundation of the luxury brand Turk & Turk.

8320 Casa Del Rio Ln, Fort Myers, FL 33919 | (239) 297- 0915 | www.turkandturk.com

MORGAN YORK , LLC, CNE, GRI Realtor

My superpower is getting others to financial freedom and mental well-being - through investing in Real Estate.

Naples’ Premier Realtor and Managing Partner of The York Group of Downing-Frye Realty - Morgan strives to improve a persons quality of life through homeownership. Three Time Winner of the SWFL Choice Award for “Best Real Estate Team”, a Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) and completion of the Graduate Realtor Institute Program (GRI) — her greatest desire is to never stop learning ways to help her customers.

Naples • Bonita Springs • Marco Island | (239) 821-0150 | www.naplesyorkrealestate.com | theyorkrealestateteam@gmail.com

KATE CORKELL Architecture impacts peoples’ lives on a daily basis and I am grateful to be part of a profession that allows me to be artistic, creative and technical all in a single day!

Senior Lead Designer, 25+ years Throughout the 20+ year career of Stofft Cooney Architects, they’ve been the visionaries for a wide range of projects including custom beachfront residences, high-end estates and luxury resorts.

Our work encompasses all genres to reveal influences from the most emulated, diverse styles throughout history. Regardless of style, our philosophy is to create exemplary, timeless designs with modern day amenities.

111 10th St S, Ste.308 Naples, FL 34102 (239) 262-7677 www.stofftcooney.com

MARIE J. GRASMEIER CPA, CMA, CGMA, TEP Founder Marie pioneered the virtual CPA office thirteen years before it became popular.

Direct availability via video conferencing and What’s App provides a competitive edge serving International real estate investors and high-net worth individuals. Marie was recently named International Tax Advisor of the Year by International Advisory Experts and 2022 Women in Business honoree by Gulfshore Business.

12221 Towne Lake Dr Fort Myers, FL 33913 (239) 450-2105 www.mariecpa.com

International Reach – Small Firm Personality

JULIE KOESTER President Julie leads Dragon Horse Agency, a

You know where you want to be. We know how to get you there.”

multi-award-winning business marketing firm. Driven by Julie’s graduate degree in psychology, the rapidly expanding team of exceptionally talented creative architects and business strategists are pushing creativity and business strategy for their client’s success. For those who are committed to investing in their success.

848 1st Ave N. Ste #200, Naples, FL 34102 (239) 325-5088 100 Wilshire Blvd. #700, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 917-1009 www.DragonHorseAgency.com

HEDRON MCCORMICK Esthetician/Owner I am passionate about esthetics and wanted to become a mentor. I opened a space for all women, no matter their budget, offering a sliding scale when needed. Every women should have the opportunity to feel strong, confident and beautiful!

27499 Riverview Center Blvd Bonita Springs, FL 34134 (239) 233-3399 www.hedronhillesthetics.skincaretherapy.net

Let the beauty in what you love be in what you do.

NEALE MONTGOMERY I try hard to come up with solutions, there is normally more than one way to reach the end goal and I try to think outside the box and not become entrenched in the mentality of this is how we have always done it.

Partner Neale Montgomery, Partner, Pavese Law Firm, has a strong commitment to the constitution particularly as it relates to protection of property rights. She’s worked on developments that have helped to transform Lee County such as Verdana, The Place, Gateway, Pelican Landing, The Brooks and the plan amendment for the 10th university n/k/a FGCU.

1833 Hendry Street Fort Myers, FL 33901 (239) 334-2195 www.paveselaw.com

NOEMI Y. PEREZ President and CEO Noemi Perez has been a part of The Immokalee Foundation for over 14 years and has served as CEO for the last four years. Her passion and dedication for education has resulted in multiple awards recognizing her outstanding leadership. Under her direction, The Immokalee Foundation developed the innovative Career Pathways program, raising the bar on helping the youth of Immokalee forge pathways to success.

2375 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 308 Naples, FL 34103 (239) 430-9122 www.immokaleefoundation.org

The Immokalee Foundation is changing the landscape of Immokalee one student at a time by providing transformational educational opportunities.

Our supportive donor base is at the heart of The Immokalee Foundation’s success.

Working so closely with these compassionate individuals, I am honored and humbled by the impact that we are making together in the Immokalee community.

MARIE HERNANDEZ RUBENSTEIN Vice President of Philanthropy Maire has an extensive philanthropic background in the Southwest Florida community. She highlights this through her innovative approaches to fundraising and raising awareness for the important work of The Immokalee Foundation. She is passionate about developing creative strategies for longtime supporters and new donors, including a fresh approach to corporate partnerships and elevating the Foundation’s signature events.

2375 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 308 Naples, FL 34103 (239) 430-9122 www.immokaleefoundation.org

RENÉE ZEPEDA Head of Architectural Commercial Department Throughout the 20+ year career of Stofft Cooney Architects, they’ve been the visionaries for a wide range of projects including custom mixed use buildings, healthcare facilities, institutional projects, commercial and condominium designs.

Regardless of style, our philosophy is to create exemplary, timeless designs with modern day amenities.

111 10th St S, Ste.308 Naples, FL 34102 (239) 262-7677 www.stofftcooney.com

To all emerging Architects: Always be curious, ask questions, stay passionate and learn at least one new thing every day!

And remember: We don’t design buildings. We create environments.

Courtesy W Design Interiors

HOME / Spaces, concepts and characters for inspired design

1 3 2 O n t he R i s e : D e v elop er R e b ek a h B a r ne y br e a k s ne w g r ou nd 142 St y l i s h L i v i n g : L a id b a c k lu x u r y i n Por t R oy a l 14 8 D e si g n Not e s: M i x i n g w o o d a nd s t one

H o m e — O n t h e R i s e — By S t e p h a n i e D a v i s — P h o t o g r a p h y By A n n a N g u ye n

Urban Legend Second-generation developer Rebekah Barney marks a new era in Fort Myers urbanization with The Irving.

Rebekah Barney’s debut development project centers around her vision for a downtown dream life. “Downtown is where you want to be,” she says.

“There’s the arts, the culture—without ever getting into a car, you can go to the theater and see a show, dine outside, enjoy the sunsets on the river. I just think it’s magical.”

1 32 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 133

Home — On the Rise

The Irving Downtown, a 12-story apartment building in Fort Myers, is named after her grandfather Irving Cross. Scheduled to be completed in 2024, the complex is surrounded by the historic arts district and the Caloosahatchee River. Within a short walk, residents find Florida Repertory Theatre, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, plus scores of restaurants and shops.

Rebekah, who owns the Alzada Company (named after her grandmother Alzada Cross), is committed to sustainable development and preserving historic downtown. “I don’t necessarily want to go big,” she says. “I want to go better. Quality and community are very important to me. Changing the way a community looks through development, all while preserving history is incredibly gratifying—there’s nothing like being a part of something that’s going to last.”

134 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Rebekah is developing The Irving with eco-friendly materials, a bike-share program and floorplans named after the Fort Myers Vivas family, who gifted the lot—including the next-door park, which Rebekah is revitalizing—to the city. She tapped renowned

Courtesy Alzada Company

designer Dwayne Bergmann for the sleek interiors.

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 1 35

Home — On the Rise

“ Fo r m e, it ’s a b o u t inte g r it y a n d cre at in g s o m et h in g t h at ’s g oin g to l a s t fa r into t h e f u t u re,” s h e s ays .

She aims to do her part for the envi-

Adjacent to The Irving, Rebekah is

ronment, too. The Irving is being built

funding the revitalization of Park of

with eco-friendly brick, wood and stone.

Palms, working with Naples Botanical

The rooftop is planned as a lush oasis

Garden to add more plants and trees, a

with gardens and greenscaping—addi-

shady walking path and resting benches.

tions that help reduce the heat-island

The public park was originally owned by

effect created by the denser populations

a Lee County pioneer family, the Vivas,

and swaths of concrete in urban centers.

who gifted the lot to the city. “I fell in

Energy Star appliances, electric vehicle

love with the park and the history,” says

charging stations and a bike-share pro-

Rebekah, who made a deal with the fam-

gram aim to help residents live green.

ily to recognize the names of the Vivas’

“For me, it’s about integrity and creat-

daughters (Amelia, Rosa, Leonora and

ing something that’s going to last far into

Josephine) on the floorplans for units

the future,” Rebekah says. “It’s a win-

at The Irving.

win—not only for the community but

Rebekah, who is in her early 40s and a

for the resident that doesn’t have to pay

mother of four, is proud of her roots as a

a high utility bill. There are benefits all

second-generation developer. She began

around—maybe the cost to the developer

working for her dad, veteran developer

is a little steeper, but the long-lasting

Robert MacFarlane, 20 years ago. His

impact far exceeds the cost.”

company developed Beau Rivage, the

136 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Ready for a New Look

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Home — On the Rise

Rebekah named her development firm, Alzada Company, after her grandmother. Her father, Robert McFarlane, is the developer behind downtown’s Beau Rivage, St. Tropez, Riviera and the upcoming Prima Luce.

138 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Earth, Air, Fire, Water + secret family formulas + generations =

Pottery As Art

Old 41 Road ~ Historic Bonita Springs

Home — On the Rise

first high-rise condo on the downtown riverfront in decades, in 2004, followed

by St. Tropez, Riviera and the in-progress Prima Luce. Her father has always seen the potential for downtown Fort Myers; Rebekah shares his vision and takes her charge carrying on their legacy seriShe envisions downtown Fort Myers as the place to live, work and play.

ously. “When I first got to Fort Myers, I saw this beautiful historic riverfront and charming downtown that was being underutilized,” she says. “It was so quiet in the early 2000s and now it’s become this exciting destination that everyone wants to be a part of.”

140 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

A LIFESTYLE APPROACH TO REAL ESTATE We know your home is a place where you live, work, entertain, raise your kids, relax and enjoy all that Southwest Florida offers.

Therefore, our team’s focus is always on how a property meets those needs. We understand you want the lifestyle, and we can help provide that experience before you buy! Interested in golfing, boating, pickle ball or finding dog parks for your furry friends? We’ll make the arrangements; you enjoy the experience!

To find the lifestyle you crave, call us today!

Cedric Colyer (239) 850-3765 Kimberly Alvord (239) 919-2742 PICTURED: KIMBERLY ALVORD, CEDRIC COLYER & PEDRO

787 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102 | (239) 850-3765 | www.IWantToLiveInNaples.com | Cedric@KimberlyLuxuryGroup.com

H o m e — S t y l i s h L i v i n g — By M i c h a e l Ko r b

Character Study Wood-wrapped ceilings and walls, striking accent pieces and laidback luxury define this Port Royal home, redesigned

by Wendy Berry.

Principal interior designer Wendy Berry, of W Design Interiors, is well known for creating luxurious spaces that blend comfort with warm sophistication. When her longtime clients decided to buy this home in Port Royal for its expansive Naples Bay views, they called on her to take what was already a lovely home and update it in their style. “Even though it had absolutely beautiful architecture and great bones, we gave it a shift to what they were looking for and made it something really unique,” Wendy says.

Wendy has an aptitude for designing spaces that are both highend and approachable. This 9,000-square-foot, five-bedroom, seven-bath compound captures her organic-yet-structured vibe.

“This home is all about the water views and keeping it feeling light, airy and open,” Wendy says. “So we tried to unify some spaces.”

To accomplish that, Wendy moved some interior doors to improve flow and changed ceilings. Previously, the home had a formal dining room, which Wendy transformed into a media room, with a step-down wood ceiling, built-in sound system and a sectional from her furniture line, W Home. She moved the dining table into the oversized living room to create a dual open-living

142 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

ARCHITECTS: Stofft Cooney Architects (original); Ku k k A r c h i t e c t u r e & D e s i g n ( r e n o v a t i o n ) B U I L D E R : Ku r t z H o m e s DESIGNER: W De sign Interiors P H O T O G R A P H E R S : D o u g T h o m p s o n & D i a n a To d o r o v a

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 143

The designer mixed wood tones to balance the warmth and brightness of the home and create striking focal points, like the foyer (previous spread) and marble-clad vanity in the powder room (left).

144 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Home — St ylish Living

space, which you see the minute you walk through the front door

the luminous ceiling and light-toned walls. Meanwhile, built-in

into the two-story foyer. There, the grand staircase stuns, with

bookshelves warm up the contemporary beveled limestone fire-

its feature wall and built-in bookcases surrounding an inset of

place. “We touched every wall and put new flooring throughout,”

Calacatta gold marble and an installation of swirling butterflies

Wendy says.

by Naples artist Juan Carlos Collada. Massive Holly Hunt chandeliers hang over a custom Patterson Flynn rug.

Subtle additions of dark lines against lighter backgrounds—the framing of the artwork over the fireplace, the patterned F. Schum-

In the new living-dining room, Wendy capitalized on the

acher pillows on the Holly Hunt sofas, and the Yves Hang chan-

13-foot-high ceilings and added bleached walnut beams to create

deliers featuring white milk glass and antique brass from Urban

an umbrella-like effect that stretches over the sitting and dining

Electric—create dimension in the main living area.

areas. The wood is medium-toned but looks quite bright since

The adjacent kitchen is classic white with dual farmhouse

the beams are illuminated. Darker Legno Bastone floors balance

sinks, double islands (one finished in bleached walnut) and sur-

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 145

Home — St ylish Living

faces in Calacatta gold marble. The ceiling was dropped with the addition of a white perimeter inset of tongue-and-groove bleached walnut planks and features four shaded white pendants that illuminate the islands.

The powder bath is one of the most striking areas of the residence, with its black stone slab floating vanity top, which is polished so the water gently drains to the back with no noticeable sink. Its walls are floor-to-ceiling walnut panels, and Apparatus lighting makes the room shine. “I love making powder rooms like little jewel boxes,” Wendy says. “When guests come over, it is the one place in the house where they go alone, and they notice and enjoy all of the special details.”

When night calls, the primary suite draws the homeowners in with its illuminated stepped ceiling, Philip Jeffries wall covering

Architectural ceiling details feature prominently throughout the home, including in the primary bedroom, with its stepped ceiling.

and EJ Victor king bed, plus views of Naples Bay, the outdoor living area and the pool. (Wendy captured another opportunity to add whimsy to the home through the colorful pool bath, adding Kravet Acquario fish-print wallpaper and a coral-colored vanity.)

Lucky guests, like the kids and grandkids who often visit, enjoy a variety of plush bedrooms that define relaxation and were designed with each family member in mind. In one guest bedroom, John Rosselli & Associates wall coverings, beds by Theodore Alexander and Lillian August, lighting by Palecek and Visual Comfort, and focal-point ceiling details harken the laid-back elegance of the great room. Meanwhile, the kids’ room charms with its bunk beds, nautical blue ceiling and fabrics that recall camp living. It’s safe to say everyone in the family feels right at home.

Interior Design Services Consignments Furniture • Decor • Fine Art New Accessories & Gifts

Shop us online

upforgrabsnaples.com

778 Tamiami Trail North Naples, Florida 34102 (239) 434-5900 Mon-Fri 9:30-5:30 Sat 9-5

H o m e — D e s i g n N o t e s — By J a y n i e B a r t l e y

Material World

The best trends often pull from the past.

In a recent modern farmhouse proj-

Such is the case with designers’ current

ect on Marco Island, Maria Caruso, of

propensity for mixing wood and marble,

Interiors by Home Essentials, designed

materials as old as time. The combination

a kitchen with a black marble water-

is not new—we’ve long seen white Cala-

fall island, surrounded by cerused oak

catta paired with oak. But lately, design-

cabinets with a modern, thin reveal and

ers have been drawing on lesser-used

matte black hardware. In other spaces

varieties and combining the materials in

throughout the home, the designer plays

unexpected ways. You may see pine walls

with slabs of white and black marble

with gold-veined Calacatta Oro accent

against the same grainy wood for a time-

panels; masculine, black Nero Marquina

less, inviting look. “I like cerused wood a

countertops with rough-hewn beams and

lot. You’re on vacation in Italy or France,

drawer fronts; or even wood-grain mar-

and you see it in the most beautiful homes

ble, with patterns that resemble trees’

that are hundreds of years old, and it’s

growth rings, paired with the real thing.

still beautiful today,” she says. “And I love

The blend is perfect for Gulfside coastal

marble, white marble. It’s found in design

luxury design, with wood providing the

dating back hundreds of years.”

natural, rustic appeal and marble bringing the sleek, high-gloss style.

148 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

In Naples, Jeffrey Fisher recently used dark-veined marble for a range hood

Courtesy Interiors by Home Essentials/Blaine Johnson

Designers embrace centuries-old materials with innovative combinations and applications.

Home — Design Notes

Designers are playing with how wood and marble are combined and where the materials are used. In a Judith Liegeois-designed bar (bottom right), a backlit marble wall creates a stunning backdrop for the

Clockwise, from top: Courtesy Naples Porte; Judith Liegeois Designs/Lori Hamilton; Nicole White Designs/Dan Cutrona

handsome built-ins.

150 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

that juxtaposes the kitchen’s bleached oak cabinets and plays off the painted black trim and island. He’s also topped a walnut vanity with integrated marble (and alabaster Kelly Wearstler sconces subtly mirroring the stone); employed silvery-gold onyx to cover a backsplash, range and adjacent wet bar surrounded by cerused cabinetry; and lightened up a walnut and black-glass modernist kitchen with bookmatched Carrara around the island’s base.

Faith Fix, of Freestyle Interiors, likes to incorporate different colors of marble

For your premier landscape services.

3889 Sanibel Captiva Road (239) 768.5655 www.rswalsh.com

Home — Design Notes

ment toward earth tones and starting to see some autumn colors, like rust tones, emerald and lime greens,” Faith says. In a Miromar Lakes home, Faith poised a gleaming slab of Azul Imperial quartzite with sandy-colored veins that mimic those found in marble as a focal point above the fireplace, framed by panels of warm walnut. In the main living areas, she’s seen the materials go from mantle adornments to feature walls; and in bathrooms, they stretch from counter-

Courtesy Freestyle Interiors and Gulfshore Homes/ Spacecrafting Photography

into her designs. “We’re seeing a move-

tops to hourglass-shaped vanities made with stacked slices of marble. She’s also intrigued by the innovative applications in furniture design. She’s currently working with a company in Texas on custom furnishings that mix wood, stone and iron for a textured, timeless appeal.

Fort Myers designer Dwayne Bergmann’s latest furniture and home decor line with Italian marble masons Kreoo presents a study in gorgeous wood-andFaith Fix, of Freestyle Interiors, likes to surround fireplaces with warm-toned wood and stone for stunning feature walls.

marble remixing. His heirloom-worthy, midcentury modern-inspired designs

Home — Design Notes

flip the script on the materials’ common applications. There’s a wood-topped table with marble legs, an asymmetrical entry table with a stacked marble base ers and napkin rings that utilize what might have otherwise been scrap pieces of the materials. “Marble doesn’t have to be used as a surface or topper material. It can be a leg, a side component or the entire object,” Dwayne says. “It’s Naples’ Jeffrey Fisher has a knack for mixing the materials, pulling

this idea of taking a product that’s been

colors from the marble’s veining to inspire wood selection and using

around forever and saying, ‘We want to

strong hardware and trim to pull the looks together.

do something really cool.’”

FIVE STAR PROFESSIONAL P Who will be named a 2023 award winner?

Find out in a special section of the January issue.

Tell us about your home professional today — they could win the Five Star award!

Go to www.fivestarprofessional.com/homesurvey or call 651-259-1865.

Courtesy Jeffrey Fisher Home/Venjhamin Reyes

and tabletop pieces, like candle hold-

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2022 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

FIVE STAR LEGENDS

The real estate business is a competitive one. It takes grit, determination and business sense simply to make it to your 10-year anniversary. Our group of Five Star Legends goes far beyond that, though.

They’ve not only made it, they’ve been winning awards, outpacing the competition and making their clients happy for at least 10 years.

This group of professionals has taken on the challenges of changing housing markets, new business models and other competitive threats by doing what they do best: Satisfying their clients. Spend 10 years doing that, and we’d probably call you a legend, too.

LEARN MORE AT FIVESTARPROFESSIONAL.COM 1 1——LEARN MORE AT FIVESTARPROFESSIONAL.COM

— A LASTING LEGACY—

N

owadays, attention spans are short, so finding professionals who are not only great at what they do, but can do it for a decade (or longer)?

That’s legendary. Excellence like this takes diligence, a commitment to clients, a knowledge of the market and a knack for making things happen.

Five Star Professional has been researching and recognizing outstanding real estate agents, mortgage professionals and home/auto insurance agents for more than 10 years. Each year, a small percentage of professionals wins the Five Star award in the Southwest Florida area. Our research team takes consumer and peer feedback to distinguish our candidates, then looks at their experience, conducts a regulatory check, and then talks to candidates and gathers information on their practice in order to evaluate them for the award.

From all of this, a small fraction of candidates win the Five Star award over and over again. How? It takes skill, consistency and commitment to excellence to win and keep winning. That’s why we’re recognizing this exclusive group of Five Star Legends in Southwest Florida with this special section, dedicated to and reserved for those people who have won the Five Star award 10 years or more. These Southwest Florida-area winners embody professionalism and long-term commitment, making them stand out in their field.

RESEARCH: HOW OUR WINNERS ARE CHOSEN • Five Star Real Estate Agents and Five Star Mortgage Professionals do not pay a fee to be included in the research or the final lists.

• Each professional is screened against state governing bodies to verify that licenses are current and no disciplinary actions are pending.

• The inclusion of a real estate agent or mortgage professional on the final lists should not be construed as an endorsement by Five Star Professional or this publication.

• For more information on our research methodology, go to fivestarprofessional.com.

Determination of Award Winners

Professionals who satisfied each of the following objective criteria were named Five Star Real Estate Agent, or Five Star Mortgage Professional: Evaluation Criteria: 1. Qualifying rating; Eligibility Criteria: 2. Holds an active license and employed in their field for a minimum of five years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review; 4. Satisfies minimum production on a one-year and three-year basis; 5. Successful completion of a Blue Ribbon Panel review.

Real estate agents and mortgage professionals are pooled only with other candidates from their profession.

To see the full list of winners, visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.

2LEARN — LEARN MORE MORE AT FIVESTARPROFESSIONAL.COM AT FIVESTARPROFESSIONAL.COM —2

2022 FIVE STAR

LEGENDS To see the full list of winners, visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.

Real Estate Agents All Areas

Jay Attwood Premiere Plus Realty 239-770-6056

Chris Sullivan RE/MAX Affinity Plus 239-404-5548 Christine Waldren RE/MAX 239-260-3500

Naples

Erica Eister Eister & Company 239-898-4077

Laurie Ann Bellico John R. Wood Properties 239-449-2770

Alicia Galante CornerStone Coastal Properties 239-850-7653

Jean Marie Deno Naples Realty Services 239-262-4333

Alan Bennett Levi Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty 239-464-6965 Robert Nardi Nardi Realty 239-293-3592

Bonita Springs

Jeff Jaarda John R. Wood Properties 239-293-1507

Fort Myers

Cindi Infiesto EXIT Realty 239-707-6000

Marco Island Donna Marie Kittle RE/MAX 239-260-3500

Sally Kellogg John R. Wood Properties 239-571-5445 Sally Masters Signature International Premier Properties 239-253-1579 Nandy Miller John R. Wood Properties 239-659-6326 Frank Petras John R. Woods Properties 239-595-2221

St. James City

Terri B. James John R. Wood Properties 239-851-2356

Mortgage Professional Sylvia Connor First Horizon Bank 239-495-4172

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HEA LTHY LIFE / Rituals, resources and goods for a balanced life

16 0 S p or t i n g L i fe : Na ple s s w el l s a s a s u r f a nd s k i m de s t i n at ion 16 6 E d it or s ’ P ic k : A c le a n , b e a c hy home s c ent

H e a l t h y L i f e — S p o r t i n g L i f e — By Z a h r a K h a n — P h o t o g r a p h y By B r i a n Ti e t z

Skim Deep Naples native Christina Llamas fuels local surf and skimboard culture, coaching the next generation of watersports enthusiasts.

Christina Llamas wanted to do every-

For the guys, the sport was a hobby, but

thing her two older brothers did. She just

Christina yearned to take it to the next

wanted to do it all better.

level. That same year, the Naples native

At 15, she watched in awe as the boys

entered a contest in Fort Myers Beach as

would skimboard at Naples’ Doctors Pass

the youngest female athlete. She was one

Beach, where the then-flat beach with

of four women in the group of 50 skim-

a decent surf on the north side of the

boarders and felt the added pressure.

pass made for ideal conditions to shred.

“You don’t get the camaraderie that the

Christina mimicked her brothers’ moves:

guys get,” she says. “You don’t get the

Sprint to the shore, toss her inch-thin

attention the guys get.”

board over a sheet of water, and hop on for a bumpy ride to the surf and back.

Still, she placed third at the event and surfed the high straight into a career in

Healthy Life — Spor ting Life

watersports. “That just made me want it even more and drove me to get better,” she says. “I was like, ‘I can be number one.’”

The 37-year-old co-founder of Surf Naples became one of the first professional female skimboarders in the world at 27 and has gone on to place as high as fifth at international competitions. In 2016, she and her husband, sponsored skimboarder Shaun Jacobs, opened their surf and skimboard school with the goal of growing the sports’ presence in the area. (You may catch them flickering across the beach at Broad Avenue South during their free, monthly Glow Skim Nights when beginner and advanced skimboarders armed with glow sticks ride out for moonlit sessions.)

This year, the pair added three week-long programs and more spots to their classes to accommodate growing demand.

After two decades in the male-dominated skimboarding scene, Christina is noticing a changing tide in riders, with more girls signing up for sessions last year than boys. “There’s a ton more girls about it,” Christina says. “This is the first time we’ve ever had this. Girls are becoming more fearless. They’re not intimidated by the boys anymore.”

Christina is committed to advancing the sport, which she calls “surfing and wakesurfing’s messy brother.” She notes the informal structure in national skim competitions, where contestants are

A top female skimboarder, Christina has placed as high as fifth in international competitions.

162 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

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Healthy Life — Spor ting Life

The 37-year-old founded Surf Naples in 2016 with her husband, Shaun Jacobs.

The team teaches surf and skimboard classes at the Naples Pier beach.

judged by their peers riding in different

there’s a small swell that’s ideal for beginner

the sports, but she’s happy to coach anyone

brackets. Friends often end up rating each

learners. Winter and its storms bring gnar-

willing to try. “Confidence in the water is

other, creating bias. From competing in

lier conditions for advanced riders, and you

my biggest thing, whether they’re 4 or 40,”

wakesurfing tournaments, she saw how

can often find Christina and Shaun braving

she says. She has visions of her students

systems with neutral, noncompeting

the elements with other avid surfers.

going pro—a promising 7-year-old pupil

judges worked better. She has started

While surfing is limited, watersports

already secured a brand sponsorship this

planting the seeds to create a seismic

lovers know they can skim just about

year after “skimming circles” around her.

shift in the industry. Working with Old

any day. Naples—with its low tides and

This month, she and Shaun are launching

Naples Surf Shop—the watersports store

minimal wind—is perfect for practicing

The Skim Club, an after-school program

where she spent 10 years working and

tricks on flat land. The couple teaches at

for advanced athletes to receive consistent,

volunteering—she created a panel of

the Naples Pier beach; during low tide,

one-on-one coaching. Their goal: create a

professional skimboarders for the shop’s

the level beach is optimal for beginner

real community and camaraderie around

annual Skim Jam, one of the biggest skim

skimboarders. And, on those days when a

skimboarding in Naples. “I want them to

tournaments in Florida.

nice swell comes off the pier, they rush to

have the life I had,” Christina says. “That’s

schedule beginner surfers.

what I want to pass on to them—the love of

The couple is an integral part of the growing interest in surfing locally, too.

Although the demand for lessons mainly

skimboarding and that feeling that, ‘I can

They maintain a waitlist for surf lessons,

comes from kids and teens, Christina has

go down at any time and I’m going to run

despite the Gulf’s seemingly waveless

taught students of all ages. She admits

into somebody and we’re going to have a

waters. At least half the year, Christina says,

adults tend to be more fearful of trying

blast skimming.’”

16 4 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

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H e a l t h y L i f e — E d i t o r s’ P i c k — By J a y n i e B a r t l e y

On the Scent Nokomis Home Fragrance debuts mists, home decor and artisan-made goods in a new Fort Myers storefront.

Last summer, former pastry chef Lyma-

and plant-based scents. With products

rie Jimenez stunned us with her elegant,

like the Chamomile & Wildflowers

all-natural candles, which she pours into

- Relaxing Vibes and Blue Kelp & Salt -

pretty, reusable glass jars. They’re made

Beachy Vibes, Lymarie says, the sprays

with organic coconut wax and wood

are, “beautiful enough, light enough, yet

wicks from a vendor that uses felled trees

fragrant enough to replace every spray

and plants new saplings for every wick

you have.”

made to help restore the ecosystems.

She also has a new storefront in Fort

Everything in her Nokomis Home Fra-

Myers, where she stocks her scents and

grance collection is meant to be mindful

a new line of handcrafted home goods,

of the planet while infusing your life

along with chic, giftable items from

with subtle, calm-inducing aromas. This

female artisans. Stop by and you may

month, we’re coveting her EverSprays,

see Lymarie tinkering in her workspace,

made with 95% organic blends of sugar-

where she soon plans to host candle- and

cane alcohol, wild witch hazel, glycerin

spray-making workshops.

166 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Join over 350 cowboys and cowgirls for an evening of good ole' western fun and philanthropy at the 18th Annual Lee County Cattle Baron's Ball. The evening promises to be a toe- tapping, knee-slapping, rip-roaring, kick up your heels good time to make a measurable difference in the fight against cancer.

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TA STE OF THE GULF / Flavors, philosophies and institutions shaping our culinar y scene

170 Ta s t em a k er : S a i l s ’ f i v e - s t a r c he f 175 D i n i n g Gu ide : 1 5 0 -plu s e s s ent i a l r e s t au r a nt s

Ta s t e o f t h e G u l f — Ta s t e m a ke r — By J e n n i f e r R e e d — P h o t o g r a p h y By D a n C u t ro n a

Raising the Sails With scrappy determination and a healthy dose of humility, 30-year-old Darren Veilleux became the culinary heart of Southwest Florida’s most distinguished fine-dining establishment.

The most high-end of Naples’ fine-dining

Ocean House, a luxury hotel and dining

establishments is run by an executive chef

establishment, invited him to join Sails’

who just cracked 30 this month. Darren

inaugural team. “I said ‘no’ right away,”

Veilleux assumed the top job at Sails

Darren says with a quick grin. “I didn’t

Restaurant at 27, about a year and a half

want to move to Florida.” But he reconsid-

after starting out as a sous chef.

ered, packed his Volkswagen and headed

This being the Futuremakers issue, age

south. He pulled up to the Fifth Avenue

matters to us. It does not, however, matter

South address expecting a kitchen and

to Darren’s bosses. “I don’t believe in age,

found a construction site instead. “Noth-

on the side of youth or on the side of matu-

ing was in place,” he remembers. “The

rity,” says Veljko Pavicevic, who co-owns

walls were not painted, the floors were not

Sails with Corinne Ryan. “It’s all about

down, none of the woodwork was hung.”

the mindset. What I look for in everyone is their character.”

With no cooking or recipe development to be done (others were managing

And if anyone has proved his mettle,

those tasks), Darren picked up a toolbox.

it’s Darren. He was sous chef at a farm-to-

“I would do anything that needed to be

table restaurant in his native Maine when

done,” he says. The crown molding?

a former colleague from Rhode Island’s

That’s his handiwork.

170 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Ta s t e o f t h e G u l f — Ta s t e m a ke r

“O ver the years, we’ve had a couple of three Michelins ta r exe cu t i ve ch ef s . T h ey’re n ot h e re a ny m o re. Da r re n i s s t i l l h e r e ,” S a i l s’ c o - o w n e r, Ve l j ko P a v i c e v i c , s a y s .

Eventually, the young chef volunteered

If you didn’t know Darren’s age, you’d

to cook a daily meal for the staff and con-

never guess it. Even early in his tenure,

struction crew. Nevertheless, once Sails

he moved through the kitchen with quiet

opened, he found himself at the kitch-

confidence. His operation is efficient,

en’s bottom rung. “I wanted to get back

methodical and calm. “He’s always calm,”

to the top. I kept working hard. I pushed

says Corinne, watching orders come in

myself every day to be better than before

with increasing frequency during a Fri-

and kept focus with my goal in mind,”

day night dinner service. The restaurant

he says. Notably, his kitchen flattens the

recently revamped its operations, shift-

traditional back-of-house hierarchy. Out

ing from an à la carte model to a prix-fixe

of respect, he calls everyone, dishwashers

menu and implementing a computerized

included, “Chef.”

system for managing orders. The latter

Drive is part of his DNA. Darren

was so different from the traditional chef-

put himself through college, earn-

led structure that it took six months to

ing bachelor’s and master’s degrees

master. Darren turned the transition into

from Rhode Island’s Johnson & Wales

a game, challenging his team to see how

University, esteemed for its culinary

fast they could work through the orders.

arts program. While there, he worked

Sails’ chefs work in full view of the

in the program’s storeroom and as a

guests, and Darren likes it that way. The

weekend chef for the Ocean House,

arrangement connects the serving and

an hour’s drive from campus.

kitchen staffs, creating a cohesive whole.

The hard-charging Veljko and Corinne

It also reminds him of student perform-

seek out people with such personal

ing days. “I take what I learned in theater

ambition, paired with a commitment

and use it here in the kitchen,” he says.

to teamwork and shared success. “Over

“You’re always on stage.”

the years, we’ve had a couple of three

Guests at nearby tables watch dishes

Michelin-star executive chefs,” says

emerge, a few at a time. From a presenta-

Veljko, who brought them on to help

tion standpoint, they are intricate works

scale the business. “They’re not here

of culinary art. From a preparation one,

anymore. Darren is still here.”

they are remarkably minimalist.

172 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

The Johnson & Wales University-trained chef took the top role in Sails’ kitchen when he was 27. Darren’s dishes are defined by his technique-forward cooking philosophy, knack for innovation and artful presentations.

G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 173

Ta s t e o f t h e G u l f — Ta s t e m a ke r

After shifting Sails to an haute prix-fixe format earlier this year, Darren is now developing the menus for the group‘s members-only steakhouse, Butcher, slated to debut in November in Naples.

“I really believe flavors should speak

does not impede innovation. “He’s cre-

for themselves and that simplicity is

ative and explores different cuisines,”

key,” Darren says. Together with his

Corinne says.

bosses, he combs the world in search of

Sails recently earned a spot on

the highest-quality ingredients. Once,

OpenTable’s 100 Best Brunch Spots list,

the team performed blind taste tests

one of only six restaurants in the state

of 50 caviars, searching for the perfect

to be recognized. Darren and his chefs

one. The ingredient-forward philoso-

are pushing for a James Beard Award.

phy shines through in the dishes—crab

And he’s taken on another monumental

meat gently tossed with crème fraîche,

task, designing the kitchen and menu

unimaginably sweet scallops dressed

for the team’s new venture, Butcher.

with citrus emulsion, octopus that

The much-anticipated, members-only

absorbs sultry cherrywood smoke

steakhouse is nearing completion in

from the restaurant’s custom grill.

North Naples. “I believe it’s not about

“Simplicity is the most difficult thing

doing anything crazy [ingredient-wise],”

to achieve in cooking,” Veljko says. “And

he says of the push for excellence. “It’s

that’s what he’s been delivering in the

about taking care of guests and giving

last four years.” Minimalism, though,

them really great food.”

1 74 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Ta s t e o f t h e G u l f — D i n i n g G u i d e

DIN ING GU IDE 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 specified.

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

Bonita Springs’ 30-seat El Basque Vin & Pintxo Bar opened this year, with a focus on flavors from its namesake lauded gastronomic region in Northern Spain.

Dining Guide Key:

b

Brunch

o

Outside Dining

p

Pet-Friendly

v

Valet

w

Water Views G U L F S H O R E L I F E — 1 75

Ta s t e o f t h e G u l f — D i n i n g G u i d e

MARCO ISLAND Ario 400 S. Collier Blvd., 394-2511. jwmarriottmarcoisland.com. At the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Ario has striking Gulf views, elevated culinary offerings and an impressive bar program. $$$$ STEAK

ov The Oyster Society 599 S. Collier Blvd., 394-3474. theoystersociety.com. At this chic locale, the raw bar has more than eight oyster selections daily, as well as sushi and fresh catches. $$$$ SEAFOOD

o Sale e Pepe 480 S. Collier Blvd., 393-1600. sale-e-pepe.com. A gem with Italian dishes, a formidable wine cellar and a waterfront patio in the Marco Beach Ocean Resort. $$$$ ITALIAN

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

op The Bevy 360 12th Ave. S., 228-4220. naplesbevy.com. Enjoy premium craft cocktails and varied influences at this locale 1 76 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

off Third Street. The open-air setup with a retractable roof is nothing short of impressive. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN

op 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

opv D’Amico’s The Continental 1205 Third St. S., 659-0007. damicoscontinental.com.

Experience top-quality cuts of steak from around the globe, enhanced by the surrounding stylish modern decor, private cabanas and a cocktail lab. $$$$ STEAK

opv

Sea Salt 1186 Third St. S., 434-7258. seasaltnaples.com. A local favorite for sophisticated seafood and its accompaniments.

Monthly wine dinners and other events are not to be missed. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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 atmosphere. $$$ FRENCH

opv

opv

FIFTH AVENUE SOUTH

Hobnob Kitchen & Bar 720 Fifth Ave. S., Unit 101, 580-0070. hobnobnaples. com. Updated takes on American cuisine in a cool, contemporary dining room.

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. $$$$ MIDDLE EASTERN

o Bistro 821 821 Fifth Ave. S., 261-5821. bistro821.com. You’ll love the open kitchen and menu filled with originality.

$$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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

Chops City Grill 837 Fifth Ave. S., 262-4677. chopscitygrill.com. An elegant, baroque-inspired steakhouse. $$$$ STEAK

Osteria Tulia/Bar Tulia 466 Fifth Ave. S., 213-2073. osteriatulia.com. Go for Sicilian-inspired fare in a rustic-chic setting or the Bar Tulia gastropub, which has unbeatable craft cocktails.

opv

$$$ ITALIAN

op

bopv

opv

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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.

op

$$$$ MEDITERRANEAN

Ridgway Bar & Grill 1300 Third St. S., 262-5500. ridgwaybarandgrill.com. A quintessential Old Naples restaurant with creative American fare.

bo

Pazzo! Cucina Italiana 853 Fifth Ave. S., 434-8494. pazzoitaliancafe.com.

Beautiful presentations and twists on Italian favorites. $$$$ ITALIAN

opv

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Sails Restaurant 301 Fifth Ave. S., 360-2000. sailsrestaurants.com. This refined eatery and raw bar has a weekend Champagne brunch that’s a destination in itself. $$$$ SEAFOOD

bopv Sushi Thai Downtown 898 Fifth Ave., 430-7575.

Multiple locations throughout Collier and Lee counties. sushithaidowntown.com.

Large selection of sushi and Thai dishes. $$$ ASIAN

New American cuisine meets Gulf views at BALEEN at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples. Hint: Ask for a table on the sand.

opv

ov 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

op Yabba Island Grill 711 Fifth Ave. S., 262-5787. yabbaislandgrill.com. Surf and turf, including seasonal stone crab, is the focus at this restaurant with prime patio seating. $$$ SEAFOOD

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

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

Industry Beer & BBQ 449 Bayfront Place, 331-4160. industrybeerandbbq.com.

The team behind LowBrow Pizza & Beer takes on slowsmoked ‘cue and craft beers.

op

$$ BARBECUE

ov 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

op The Rooster Food + Drink 600 Goodlette-Frank Road N., #101, 228-5973. theroos ternaples.com. A breakfast and lunch spot for comfort fare, with dinner Wednesday through Friday in season. $$ AMERICAN

op

op

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

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

o

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

bo 178 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

BAYFRONT

CRAYTON COVE Bleu Provence 1234 Eighth St. S., 261-8239. bleuprovencenaples.com.

Channel the south of France with the food and Naples’ only Grand Award-winning wine list. $$$$ FRENCH

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

opw

Brian Tietz

Truluck’s 698 Fourth Ave. S., 5303131. trulucks.com. The fine-dining locale touts seafood from the Gulf and beyond. $$$$ SEAFOOD

Ta s t e o f t h e G u l f — D i n i n g G u i d e

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

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Celebration Park 2880 Becca Ave., 316-7253. celebrationparknaples.com.

From the owner of Three60 Market, this waterfront foodtruck park has a lively bar scene and boat-up slips.

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

Tacos & Tequila Cantina 4834 Davis Blvd., 732-8226. tacosandtequilanaples.com.

Tacos with lots of clever spins, plus margaritas aplenty. $$ MEXICAN

$$ ITALIAN

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$$ ECLECTIC

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EAST NAPLES

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

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.

$$$ INDIAN

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

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.

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$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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$$$ MIDDLE EASTERN

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★★★★✩ Yelp / TripAdvisor

Small Photos: Maxwell MacKenzie,

THE PERFECT SUMMER DAY Tarpon Lodge and Restaurant is known for its historic “Old Florida” atmosphere, acclaimed dining, stunning sunsets and unparalleled inshore and coastal fishing. We’re proud to have won BEST SUNSET VIEW & BEST KEPT SECRET in Gulfshore Life’s “Best of the Gulfshore” 2022.

TARPONLODGE.COM 13771 WATERFRONT DR PINE ISLAND, FL 239-283-3999

COME BY CAR OR BOAT: N 26.39.562 W 82.9.180

Ta s t e o f t h e G u l f — D i n i n g G u i d e

MIDTOWN

has a diverse menu, featuring seafood, pasta and custom cuts of beef. $$$$ STEAK

dining FUSE and top barbecue next door.

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$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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

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

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

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Alexander’s 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.

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

Fernández the Bull 3375 Pine Ridge Road, #101, 653-9097. fernandezthebull. com. Expect authentic Cuban dishes, like picadillo a la criolla and ropa vieja.

$$$ ECLECTIC

$$ LATIN AMERICAN

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

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Food & Thought 2132 Tamiami Trail N., 2132222. foodandthought.com.

An organic grocer and counter-service cafe with raw and vegan options. $ VEGETARIAN

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.

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$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

Fujiyama 2555 Tamiami Trail N., 2614332. naplesfujiyama.com.

Japanese master chefs prepare dinners with flair at your hibachi table. $$$ ASIAN

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

op Café Nutrients 3080 Tamiami Trail N., 9198732. cafenutrients.com. At this organic, plant-based eatery, owner Ming Yee sources ingredients from local farms and producers. $$$ VEGAN

op Cibao Grille 814 Neapolitan Way, 434-6653. cibaogrille.com.

Dishes from the owners’ native Dominican Republic mix with American classics.

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$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

op Dorona 2110 Tamiami Trail N., 529-2819. doronanaples.com. The Aeilli Group’s upscale steakhouse

180 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

FUSE Global Cuisine/ FUSE BBQ 2500 Tamiami Trail N. #115, 455-4585. fuseglobalcuisine. com. Find cuisines from around the world at fine-

temporary locale that often hosts live music. $$ ASIAN

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-

Lamoraga Restaurant 3936 Tamiami Trail N., 331-3669. lamoragarestaurant.com.

Contemporary upscale twists on Spanish dishes, plus inventive vegan fare. $$$$ SPANISH

opv 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

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

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

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Shula’s Steak House 5111 Tamiami Trail N., 430-4999. shulasnaples. com. Late NFL Hall of Fame coach Don Shula’s classic steakhouse. $$$$ STEAK Swan River Seafood and Fish Market 3741 Tamiami Trail N., 403-7000. swanriverseafood. com. Find Cape Cod-style seafood and a market with fresh catches, wine and more. $$$ SEAFOOD

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USS Nemo 3745 Tamiami Trail N., 261-6366. ussnemorestau rant.com. Masterful creations using fresh seafood from a classically trained chef. $$$ SEAFOOD

THE VILLAGE SHOPS ON VENETIAN BAY

o Ziggy D’Amico’s Whiskey Bar & Diner 4691 Ninth St. N., 430-0955. ziggydamicos.com. This D’Amico & Partners spot has an emphasis on whiskey. $$ AMERICAN

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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.

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 terrace. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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$$$$ SEAFOOD

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

T-Michaels Steak and Lobster House 4050 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., 261-0622. t-michaels.com. Steakhouse dining on the waterfront, featuring USDA Prime meats and Maine lobster. $$$$ STEAK

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$$$ ITALIAN

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FARM

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pastoral fields farm’s bounty, wine list, and

ROSY TOMORROWS HERITAGE FARM ROSY TOMORROWSDining HERITAGE FARM Farm-To-Table Farm-To-Table Dining 8250 Nalle Grade Road, North Fort Myers, “The Blue Hill of Southwest Florida” News-Press Florida 33917

Farm-To-Table Dining on 100 Acres - 6000 “This is Michelin level T: stuff” Tyler Florence, Food Network (239)- 567

nd Sunday

on 100 Acres

rosytomorrowsheritagefarm.com Experience picturesque dining overlooking fields Experience picturesque dining overlooking pastoralpastoral fields Experience picturesque dining overlooking pastoral fields of grazing cattle.Top-rated Top-rated cuisine from the farm’s of grazing cattle. cuisine from thebounty, farm’s bounty, of grazing cattle. Top-rated from the farm’s bounty, handcrafted drinks, sommelier selected cuisine wine list, certified handcrafted beverages, sommelier selected wine list, and handcrafted beverages, sommelier selected wine list, and grass-fed beef, organically-raised heritage breed Red Wattle organically-raised meats and vegetables. pork, organically-grown vegetables. organically-raised meats and vegetables.

Vegan and Gluten-free dishes.

Live Music Every Sunday!

Live Music Every Sunday!

Open forReservations Brunch! Thursday, Required Friday, Saturday and Sunday Open for Brunch! Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday THE

BEST

OF THE GULFSHORE 2021

Yelp ««««« / Facebook «««««

Yelp ««««« / Facebook ««««« 8250 Nalle Grade Road, North Fort Myers, Florida 33917 T: (239) 567-6000 rosy-tomorrows.com

Deep Lagoon Seafood & Fish Market* 8777 Tamiami Trail N., 631-6266. deeplagoon.com.

The family behind Pinchers owns this popular eatery. $$$ SEAFOOD

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In Naples’ Bayshore Arts District, Celebration Park gathers gourmet food trucks, a rowdy bar and live music in an alfresco waterfront setting.

Dusk 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, 598-6644. ritzcarlton.com. This stylish sushi lounge in The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, has a patio overlooking the Gulf. $$$$ ASIAN

ovw 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

o NORTH NAPLES BALEEN 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, 5985707. laplayaresort.com. A wraparound terrace sets the stage for creative cuisine at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

ovw The Bay House* 799 Walkerbilt Road, 5913837. bayhousenaples.com.

Southern-inspired menus and a raw bar with panoramic mangrove and water views. $$$$ SEAFOOD

bovw 182 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Bella Mia Italian Cafe 808 Wiggins Pass Road, 250-3310. bellamiaitaliacafe. com. A tightly edited menu— including European coffee and pastries—from an acclaimed chef. $$ ITALIAN

bo Black Forest Restaurant 2366 Immokalee Road, 592-4784. blackforestnaples. com. Here, you’ll find classic German and Austrian fare. $$$ EUROPEAN

Bone Hook Brewing Co. 1514 Immokalee Road, 631-8522. bonehookbrewing. com. This well-respected microbrewery has a taproom with a full kitchen and table service. $$ BAR BITES

op Café Gourmand 9853 Tamiami Trail N., 260-7109. cafegourmand.net.

Here, find crepes by day

o Côte d’Azur 11224 Tamiami Trail N., 5978867. cotedazurrestaurant. com. Old World French cuisine, from filet mignon to quail, in a cozy Provençal setting. $$$$ FRENCH The Crust 8004 Trail Blvd., 244-8488. thecrustpizza.net. With a huge sports bar, it’s one of the area’s most popular pizza joints. $$ ITALIAN DaRuMa Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Lounge* 241 Center St. N., 591-1200. darumarestaurant.com.

Expect Teppan-style, tableside cooking. $$$$ ASIAN

Fernández the Bull 1201 Piper Blvd., #10, 254-9855. fernandezthebull.com. Authentic Cuban dishes and daily happy hour. $$ LATIN AMERICAN

op Grain De Café 8803 Tamiami Trail N., 5948081. frenchcafenaples.com.

The wait is worth it for the pain au chocolat, quiches and crepes. $$ FRENCH

bo 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. $$$$ STEAK

v Jimmy P’s Burgers & More 1833 Tamiami Trail N., 1201 Piper Blvd., #11, 514-1800. jimmyps burgers.com. The same superior

Joshua Colt Fisher

WATERSIDE SHOPS

and formal dinner service by night. $$ FRENCH

Ta s t e o f t h e G u l f — D i n i n g G u i d e

meats from the longtime trusted butcher, with an emphasis on juicy burgers.

is limited to a remarkable selection of ramen, sushi and small plates. $$$ ASIAN

$$$$ STEAK

o Komoon Thai Sushi & Ceviche 1514 Immokalee Road, 234-2442. komoonthai.com.

A fun mix of Thai, Japanese and Peruvian fare in a contemporary locale that often hosts live music. $$ ASIAN

o Namba 8847 Tamiami Trail N., 592-4992. nambanaples. com. The Japanese menu

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

The Turtle Club 9225 Gulf Shore Drive, 5926557. turtleclubnaples.com.

This beachfront restaurant offers toes-in-the-sand service and coastal cuisine.

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

$$$$ SEAFOOD

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ovw Two Fillets* 10395 Tamiami Trail N., 788-0222. twofillets.com.

The latest opening from the folks behind Pinchers and Deep Lagoon is this surf-and-turf restaurant and market. $$$ AMERICAN

MERCATO Bar Tulia 9118 Strada Place, #8150, 4381031. bartulia.com. The second location of this Italian gastropub features expertly crafted cocktails. $$$ ITALIAN

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DRY AGED

ON-PREMISE

LIVE MUSIC • OUTDOOR HEATED DINING & FIRE PITS • SAT AND SUN BRUNCH • FULL LIQUOR LICENSE

Reserve your individual steak now.

239-208-8518

2150 West First Street Fort Myers, Fl 33901

www.kingskitchenandbar.com www.facebook.com/kingskitchenandbar

Ta s t e o f t h e G u l f — D i n i n g G u i d e

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

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

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

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Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, 631-6844. mistero1.com.

Extraordinary isn’t hyperbole; try the star-shaped pizza with ricotta-stuffed crust for proof. $$ ITALIAN

o THE PAVILION KC American Bistro 885 Vanderbilt Beach Road, 566-2371. kcamericanbistro. com. Seasonal, American cuisine from chef Keith Casey. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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

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

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The Bohemian 27975 Old 41 Road, 451-9619. thebohemianbonita.com.

The team behind Downtown Coffee and Wine also operates this restaurant, with a globally inspired menu and low-ABV cocktails. $$$$ ECLECTIC

o 184 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

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

opv 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 Coconut Jack’s Waterfront Grille 5370 Bonita Beach Road, 676-7777. coconutjacks. com. A perfect stop for quick bites with water views. $$$ SEAFOOD

opvw 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

op Downtown Coffee and 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

p El Basque Vin & Pintxo Bar 25245 Chamber of Commerce Drive, 301-4973. elbasque.com. Spanish and French influences merge at this tapas-style Basque wine bar. $$$ BASQUE

op Figs Grille 25987 S. Tamiami Trail #109, 390-1700. figsgrille.com.

Find a refreshing fusion of Spanish, Turkish, Moroccan, Lebanese and French cuisines. $$$ MEDITERRANEAN

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

o 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

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NAPLES’ FIRST

Farm & Sea-to-Table RESTAURANT

Lapa’s Costa Rican Bistro 26251 S. Tamiami Trail, 221-7016. lapascr.com. Expect authentic plates of arroz con pollo, gallos and tostadas.

KETO * PLANT-BASED ORGANIC VEGAN * VEGETARIAN DAIRY-FREE OPTIONS

$$ LATIN AMERICAN

Olde Florida Chop House 3401 Bay Commons Drive, 9484400. oldefloridachophouse. com. Waterfront dining serving Florida-style dishes.

OPEN FOR LUNCH, HAPPY HOUR, DINNER + WEEKEND BRUNCH ONLINE ORDERING AVAILABLE

BRUNCH AVAILABLE SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS / 10:30AM Inspired by the Season

$$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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

SOURCED LOCALLY

IMPASSIONED BY SUSTAINABILITY

5323 Airport-Pulling Rd, Naples * (239) 596-FARM * www.TheLocalNaples.com

$$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

op Petar’s Restaurant 3300 Bonita Beach Road, #120, 249-4064. petarsrestaurant.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 influences from the Pacific Rim and beyond. $$$ ECLECTIC

NAPLES . FT. MYERS . SARASOTA

241 Center Street N, Naples, Florida 34108 239-591-1200 13499 South Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers, Florida 33907 239-344-0037 5459 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, Florida 34232 941-342-6600 4910 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34231 941-552-9465

www.DaRuMaRestaurant.com

Ta s t e o f t h e G u l f — D i n i n g G u i d e

Wylds Café 4271 Bonita Beach Road, 947-0408. wyldscafe.com.

Three chefs join forces for a fine-dining experience.

The Saloon 23151 Village Shops Way, 949-2583. thesaloon.net. A taste of Old West Americana, with grilled steaks, barbecue, classic sides and original cocktails.

FORT MYERS BEACH

$$$ AMERICAN

Fresh Catch Bistro 3040 Estero Blvd., 4632600. freshcatchbistro.com.

A notch above the more casual fare on the beach without feeling stuffy.

ESTERO

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$$$ SEAFOOD

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

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

$$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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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. coldwater oystermarket.com. Chef Adam Nardis celebrates coldwater seafood from the North Atlantic and Pacific Northwest. $$$ SEAFOOD

bop 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. fancyssouthern cafe.com. Southern favorites in a casual atmosphere. $$ MODERN AMERICAN

o Harold’s 15250 S. Tamiami Trail, 8490622. haroldscuisine.com.

Chef Harold Balink recently expanded his cozy, farm-totable bistro, known for its inventive cuisine. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN

La Trattoria Café Napoli 12377 S. Cleveland Ave., 931-0050. latrattoriacafe napoli.com. Known for paella, this Spanish restaurant 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 presented progressive menus. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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

Unexpected preparations and an emphasis on local following at his eponymous Harold’s in Fort Myers.

186 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Dan Cutrona

sourcing have earned chef Harold Balink a loyal

The Saucy Meatball 12401 Commerce Lakes Drive, 800-7172. saucymeat ball.com.

An industrial-chic pizzeria with crave-worthy entrees. $$ ITALIAN

Viet Village 16571 S. Tamiami Trail, 208-8368. vietvillagefl.com.

This eatery is famous for its rare-beef pho and rice specials cooked in a clay pot. $$ ASIAN BELL TOWER SHOPS DaRuMa Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Lounge* 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., 344-0037. darumarestaurant. com. Here, the focus is on Teppan-style tableside cooking, tempura and sushi. $$$$ ASIAN

op CENTRAL FORT MYERS

PLAN NOW FOR A SUMMER GETAWAY AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GREAT SAVINGS!

Chef Brooke’s Natural Café 1850 Boy Scout Drive, #A106, 332-2433. chef brookeonline. com. Here, you’ll find options for organic, gluten-free and vegan cuisine. $$ VEGETARIAN

bo El Gaucho Inca 4383 Colonial Blvd., 275-7504; 22909 Lyden Drive, Estero, 494-1564. elgauchoinca. com. Try a mix of authentic Argentinian and Peruvian dishes. $$ LATIN AMERICAN

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Explore the culture and charm of historic Downtown Fort Myers.

Walk to shopping, dining, live music, art galleries and more.

Book your getaway now at LuminaryHotel.com, and use special offer code ZJL, or call 855.838.8745.

Offer available for stays June 1 to September 30, 2022.

Ta s t e o f t h e G u l f — D i n i n g G u i d e

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

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

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

$$$ ITALIAN

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$$ ASIAN

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$$$ SEAFOOD

$$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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

KJ’s Steakhouse 10950 S. Cleveland Ave., 275-4745. kjsfreshgrill.com.

The creators pride themselves on aging and searing.

Crave Restaurant 12901 McGregor Blvd., 4664663. cravemenu.com. Here, the comfort food is made from scratch.

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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Sasse’s Restaurant 3651 Evans Ave., 278-5544. sassesrestaurant.com. Northern Italian and European cuisines are cooked in a wood-burning oven to critical acclaim. $$$$ ITALIAN

Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House* 14040 McGregor Blvd., 689-5474. deeplagoon.com.

A waterfront spot with a raw bar and scenic marina views.

The Silver King Ocean Brasserie* 2200 Edwards Drive, (833) 918-1512. luminaryhotel.com.

Inside the Luminary Hotel & Co., it serves sophisticated coastal cuisine. The hotel also houses riverfront Oxbow Bar & Grill and the rooftop Beacon Social Drinkery.

$$$ SEAFOOD

ovw MCGREGOR CORRIDOR Azure 15301 McGregor Blvd., 288-4296. azurefortmyers. com. Chef Joe Pittman excels at modernized French classics with a Southern flair. $$$ FRENCH

Roadhouse Café 15660 San Carlos Blvd., 415-4375. roadhousecafefl. com. There’s something for everyone with a wide range of dishes (including steak). $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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o Blanc 13451 McGregor Blvd., 8873139. blancentertainment. com. Chef Jean Claude Rogé’s contemporary restaurant mixes global flavors. $$ FRENCH

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS

$$ ECLECTIC

$$$$ SEAFOOD

owvp The Standard 1520 Broadway, 219-6463. thestandardftmyers.com.

Dine on from-scratch eats and craft cocktails, served in a convivial atmosphere. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN

ov Bullig Coffee & Bites 1815 Fowler St., 703-2629.

Pair espresso drinks with savory or sweet waffles. $ CAFE

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The Veranda 2122 Second St., 332-2065. verandarestaurant.com. At Fort Myers’ grande dame, you’ll find filet mignon, veal and top-notch service.

Twisted Vine Bistro 2214 Bay St., 226-1687. twistedvinebistro.com.

Expect eclectic twists and an extensive wine list. The Barrel Room next door stocks rare whiskies and plays live blues. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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ov NORTH FORT MYERS Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm* 8250 Nalle Grade Road, 567-6000. rosy-tomorrows. com. Here, you’ll get a true farm-to-table experience. $$ MODERN AMERICAN

op SANIBEL ISLAND 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. $$$$ FRENCH

o Cielo 1244 Periwinkle Way, 472-5555. cielo-sanibel.com.

Enjoy modern American fare made in-house. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

ov Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Multiple locations throughout Lee County. docfords. com. Go for the seafood, mojitos and its namesake rum bar. $$$ SEAFOOD

o 188 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

The Mad Hatter 6467 Sanibel Captiva Road, 472-0033. madhatterrestau rant.com. This is the place for whimsical beachfront fine dining on the island. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

w MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, 4722221. mudbugssanibel.com.

A menu of Crescent City classics (beignets, po’boys). $$ MODERN AMERICAN

o Sweet Melissa’s Café 1625 Periwinkle Way, 472-1956. sweetmelissascafe. com. Sanibel’s first James Beard Award semifinalist crafts creative menus.

Refreshed and Enlivened!!!

Experience Innovative Culinary Treasures at...

bha! bha! Persian Bistro

The Jewel of Fifth

EARLY DINING MENU PRIX FIXE 3 course meal $45 Nightly 5 to 6 pm Sunday through Thursday

www.BhaBhaBistro.com

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

o T2 2340 Periwinkle Way, 558-8919. t2traders.com. The retro-chic restaurant serves short rib flatbreads, curried snapper and housemade bread pudding. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN

o CAPTIVA ISLAND Keylime Bistro at Captiva Island Inn* 11509 Andy Rosse Lane, 395-4000. keylimebistrocap tiva.com. Colorful island spot with a full bar.

The latest in Southwest Florida dining

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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gulfshorelife.com/e-newsletters

Ta s t e o f t h e G u l f — D i n i n g G u i d e

Go for the cocktails at Cape Coral’s Gather; stay for the chic interiors, upbeat vibe and creative fare.

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

views of the bay while enjoying entrees and shareable plates like oysters Rockefeller.

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$$$ SEAFOOD

com. Expect modern cuisine with international influences.

ow Fish Tale Grill By Merrick Seafood 1229 S.E. 47th Terrace, 257-3167. fishtalegrill.com.

With an adjacent fish market, many items here earn descriptions like “the best I ever ate.” $$$$ SEAFOOD

o

Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery 927 E. Cape Coral Parkway, 994-3062. nevermindcapecoral.com. A hip spot with comfort food, strong cocktails and a fun, musical atmosphere. $$ MODERN AMERICAN

Gather 5971 Silver King Blvd., 673-9939. gathercape.com.

Two celebrated chefs team up at this buzzy Tarpon Point Marina locale. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN

opw com. A step above the rest of the island’s beachy cafes with sophisticated entrees. $$$$ SEAFOOD

$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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

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CAPE COR AL & PINE ISLAND

RC Otter’s Island Eats* 11506 Andy Rosse Lane, 395-1142. captivaislandinn. com. RC’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to the tune of daily live music.

Cork Soakers Deck & Wine Bar 837 SE 47th Terrace, 542-6622. corksoakers.net.

An irreverent tone shows in the decor and on the menu.

$$ AMERICAN

$$ MODERN AMERICAN

Jungle Bird Authentic Tiki 1520 Lafayette St., 471-4111. junglebirdtiki.com. A sophisticated homage to all things tiki, with cocktails and nuanced Pacific Rim dishes.

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$$$ ASIAN

Sunshine Seafood Cafe and Wine Bar* 11508 Andy Rosse Lane, 472-6200. captivaislandinn.

Fathoms Restaurant & Bar 5785 Cape Harbour Drive, 542-0123. fathomsrestarant.

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19 0 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Point 57 Kitchen & Cocktails 3522 Del Prado Blvd. S., 471-7785. point-57.com. A critically acclaimed menu is the bedrock of one of Lee County’s best restaurants.

Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro/Nauti Mermaid 5961 Silver King Blvd., 541-5600. marriott.com. Sit outside for

o Slate’s 4820 Candia St., 540-6800. slatescapecoral.com.

New Orleans is evoked in all dishes, from the traditional to the inventive, and in the lively jazz lounge. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN

ob Tarpon Lodge Restaurant* 13771 Waterfront Drive, Bokeelia, 283-3999. tarponlodge.com.

Expect imaginatively crafted lunch and dinner in a 1920s fishing lodge overlooking Pine Island Sound. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN

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Brian Tietz

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. $$$ AMERICAN

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Pa r t i n g S h ot — J a n u a r y 2020 — P u b l i s h e r J i m S c h w a r t ze l — “ T h e Wo m a n w i t h t h e B i g I d e a”

Remembering Myra Janco Daniels There is much that could be said about Myra Janco Daniels, the powerhouse philanthropist and cornerstone of the arts, who our community lost this summer. But, when reflecting on her vision and impact, she said it best in our 50th Anniversary issue: “Southwest Florida was a land of many wonders, but it didn’t yet have a thriving arts environment [in the early 1980s]. What it did have, I soon found, was a strong and sophisticated hunger for the arts ... Our initial goal was simply to create a fund to and serve Southwest Florida for decades to come ... As we look ahead, it’s important that we not lose sight of how we got here. We should not forget that our responsibility as arts leaders is to provide what the community wants and needs, not just what we want. And we should always remember that the arts have something for everyone.”

19 2 — G U L F S H O R E L I F E

Brian Tietz

support the [Naples Philharmonic] orchestra. But that soon changed to building an arts center that would house the orchestra

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