Naples , FL October 2020

O C TO B E R 2 02 0

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

OCTOBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Rob Hannon | rob.hannon@lifestylepubs.com

Hello Naples, IT'S OCTOBER, AND THAT MEANS IT’S OUR FOOD AND WINE ISSUE! WE ARE BLESSED HERE IN NAPLES TO HAVE SO MANY WONDERFUL RESTAURANTS, BARS AND SOCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS TO ENJOY! IT’S SOMETHING THAT I HOPE WE DON’T TAKE FOR GRANTED - THIS CRAZY TIME HAS BEEN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT ON THEM. OWNERS, CHEFS AND SERVERS (AND EVERYONE BEHIND THE SCENES) HAVE RISEN TO THE CHALLENGE UNDER EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES AND WE SALUTE THEIR EFFORTS AND THEIR FOOD!

EDITOR

Sue Collins | scollins@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Paige Shirk AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Vikki Locke, Ginger Moxam CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carlos Bradley, Shannon Morgan

In this FOOD and WINE issue, we salute three chefs who are cooking and creating beautiful meals for customers, whether they dine in or drive by. Our writer Vikki Locke chatted with chefs at Tulia Osteria, Turtle Club and Sea Salt to find out what they will be cooking this month and how their families and teams at the restaurants are doing.

We appreciate them!

By the way, do you like our new look?

It's the same Naples Lifestyle magazine you know and love, with stories about your neighbors and the local businesses that make our community beautiful and unique. We hope you find the new design inviting and will keep the magazine on your coffee table all month long...and beyond.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

You'll see the CityLifestyle web address on our cover, a nod to our digital platform

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

CityLifestyle.com/Naples where you can find all the stories in the magazine (for

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

you to share) and more local content along with articles from our sister Lifestyle

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

magazines around the state and country.

Enjoy this issue and please let us know if you have a story you think we should cover.

We're inspired by community, after all.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Diane Carpenter of Naples is co-founder and board

All my best, and let's eat!

member of the new streaming network Somm TV, the only network dedicated to

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA

food, wine and travel. This year will also

MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA

IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN

OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA

see her first official production of Rosé and Pinot Noir with Paul Hobbs Winery.

Follow her on IG @YourWineStylist and

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Rob Hannon, Publisher

@Somm_Films. More at SommTV.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLOS BRADLEY, SOMMTV 4

Naples Lifestyle | October 2020

Proverbs 3:5-6 Naples Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

US Postal Service to some of the Naples areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Naples Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Integrity. Trust. Knowledge.

Looking to BUY or SELL a home? Call Joe Joe Pavich Jr.

pavich123@gmail.com 239.910.0304 joepavichjr.com

INSIDE THE ISSUE OCTOBER 2020

FEATURES 12 What's Next?

Sommelier Diane Carpenter’s second chapter.

18 Rocky Patel's Naples BURN owner celebrates a quarter century making fine cigars.

24 What's Cooking?

Naples chefs share what’s up their sleeves for the season.

12 28

28 Everyday Luxury The handsome new normal at Joseph Wendt.

18

24 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Around Town

12

Locally Owned

18

Hot Spot

24 Local Limelight 28 Trend Setter 32 Food & Wine

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AROUND TOWN

THE SHOW MUST GO ON The Naples Players (TNP) is pleased to announce it has received a $15,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Collier County to support expansion of online education programming.

After closing their physical theatre location on 5th Avenue South on March 12, TNP was the first arts organization in Collier County to take their entire education program into a digital, online offering. Since then, more than 1,200 students have enrolled in over 50 virtual programs and classes offer by TNP. Over 300 of those enrolled were children and adults with special needs who have benefitted from collaborative classes offered to other local non-profit organizations. The Community Foundation of Collier County awards annual grants

also known as Seagate Beach. Yoga on the beach

through a competitive application and review pro-

is a perfect way to connect with nature while

cess. Selected organizations receive grant dollars

taking care of your body and mind. Beginners

from the Changing Needs Fund. This Fund is

are welcome - yoga is gentle and easily modified

made up of donors who believe in the Community

for all-levels. $15 Drop-In, 5 classes for $65, 10

Foundation’s ability to identify and grant to the most

classes for $120 Hosted by Sisters of the Moon,

community’s most current needs.

SWFL and Wander Free Wellness

MISSION 2244 GALA OCTOBER 16 The Mission 2244 Gala is set for October 16 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort, presented

by Germain BMW Of Naples. The event will feature a VIP hour, cocktail hour, gourmet dinner, special guest speakers, a live auction, entertainment from the Motowners and a few exciting surprises. VIP Speakers will be Actor Scot Baio, Martin Klebba and Former NFL Punter Sean Landeta. Mission 2244 Gala honors and pays tribute to the men and women of law enforcement across our nation that protect and keep our families and communities safe. This evening is also a time of reflection, honoring the Fallen Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while remembering their families. The Mission

Jean-Pierre Klifa is a Parisian fashion designer

Foundation and the Fallen Officers is about.

creating summer inspired, colorful designs to

The 2244 was Officer Zore’s badge number. His

accompany his classic everyday bucket handbag.

legacy lives in the mission of our foundation.

His fashion sense is the embodiment of the Florida

info@thefallenofficers.com

atmosphere with lots of color and simple clean

BEACH YOGA IS BACK

lines and design. To accompany his newest flagship store on 5th Avenue South, he has created

Naples beach yoga at Seagate Beach (North

pieces with UPF 50+ fabric, blocking 98% of the

Gulfshore Beach Access) is back every Sunday

suns ultraviolet rays to give you the much-needed

and Thursday at 9:30am. Meet near the end of

relief from the Florida sun. JeanPierreKilfa.com

the walkway at North Gulf Shore Beach Access,

8

SUN-BLOCKING FASHION

2244 Gala symbolizes what the Robert L Zore

Naples Lifestyle | October 2020

CONTINUED >

SEATING

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DINING

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BEDROOM

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AM

NAPLESLEATHER.COM

+

ER

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HOME OFFICE

A RO U N D T H E

WO

N L E AT H E R • S T R E S S

239-434-6339

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TABLES & ACCENTS

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3333 TAMIAMI TRAIL N, NAPLES , FL 34103

AROUND TOWN

STEVE TOBIN: NATURE UNDERGROUND This 11-month exhibition at Naples Botanical Garden will invite visitors to consider the wonderfully complex world that lies beneath the soil and the critical role it plays in supporting all life on Earth. Tobin’s steel and bronze sculptures seem to dance in their spaces, spiraling upward to create elegant forms as well as ever-changing shadows. Guests will discover them throughout the Garden — simultaneously rising out of the landscape and blending into it with perfect harmony. Tobin says the pieces are experiential; they are meant to be walked through, interacted with, and explored from all angles. NaplesGarden.org

BRUNCH ON Caffe Milano, known for a rustic Italian menu, recently added Saturday and Sunday

brunch menu also includes bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys. 800 Fifth Avenue South, 239.692.8480 CaffeMilanoNaples.com

Brunch to their repertoire with a live DJ and culinary demonstrations of specialty items. Chef Marvin Torres has brought flavors form all over

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would

the United States to create a lovable brunch

love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.

menu. With cinnamon and sugar infused French

com/Naples using the Get In Touch link and let us

toast and crab and tenderloin Benedict, the

know what you think.

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Naples Lifestyle | October 2020

314.757.1112

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LOCALLY OWNED

MEET EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, WINEMAKER AND CEO DIANE CARPENTER

Inspired by a Sip SIXTEEN YEARS AGO OVER DINNER WITH

I was on the path to becoming a Master of Wine

FRIENDS AT A NAPLES RESTAURANT,

but life took me in a different direction, out of the

DIANE CARPENTER TASTED A WINE THAT

classroom and into the vineyard,” says Diane.

CHANGED HER LIFE. The stay-at-home mom

Back in Naples in their Park Shore Beach

was poised to discover her next chapter and

home, Diane and her husband David often plan

was ready to be inspired.

meals that include a wine pairing. What comes

“We were at Zoe’s restaurant on 5th Avenue

first, the menu or the wine? “That depends,” she

and a friend of ours told us we should try a

says. “If we have received a spectacular bottle

specific wine. It was a Napa Valley Cabernet

of wine as a gift from either a winemaker or a

Sauvignon and in that moment of taste I

friend, we will plan dinner around that bottle as

had an epiphany. I knew what I wanted to

the wine will take center stage. Recently, how-

do next….study everything about wine,” she

ever, quarantining during Covid we have planned

says. “The wine in question was a Paul Hobbs

the menu first as my husband, David (who loves

Cabernet Sauvignon and, to cut a beautiful

to cook) has been discovering new recipes. He

story short, Paul became my mentor, friend

recently prepared a cassoulet and we paired it

and he is cast in our next Somm Film.”

with a Château de Beaucastel 2005.”

Diane is co-founder and board member of

They also keep red and white Burgundies

the new streaming network SommTV, the only

on hand in their cellar as those varietals,

network dedicated to food, wine and travel. She

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, pair with so many

is Executive Producer of Somm Films with a

recipes. For October and through the cooler

fourth film now in production.

months, you may find coq au vin, bison, ten-

After studying wine extensively in New York

derloin and Diane’s homemade au gratin

City and becoming a Certified Specialist of Wine,

potatoes made with fondue cheese served up.

Diane launched her business, YourWineStylist

Complementing the heartier meal, they will

LLC. She consulted with private clients to help

pour red burgundy, northern Rhone syrah, left

build their cellars and select wine. “Specifically

bank Bordeaux or Napa/Alexander Valley cab-

I helped clients ship wine to their own custom-

ernet sauvignon. “The younger crowd loves my

ers/clients during the holiday season. In 2015

lasagna, with a Barolo or Brunello.”

my focus pivoted to the winemaking side of

Diane’s philosophy about food and wine is

the wine world following multiple harvests with

simply to drink and eat what you love and love

Paul Hobbs,” she says. This year will be their

what you eat and drink. “We wine professionals

first official production of Rosé and Pinot Noir.

are simply guides and everybody should own

“These days the vineyard is my teacher. Each time I step into my vineyard with my crew or consultant winemaker, I learn something new.

their taste and palate.”

Her work with the production company is a natural path to share this creed.

ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

12

Naples Lifestyle | October 2020

CONTINUED >

Diane Carpenter at home in Naples is co-founder and board member of the new streaming network Somm TV.

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

13

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

Diane and David at home in Naples 14

Naples Lifestyle | October 2020

Somm TV is the first subscription video on the demand streaming platform and full podcast network in the wine, food, and travel space with exclusive new shows, films, and educational content created from the ground up by the team that made the award-winning SOMM documentary series.

SOMM TV is available on every device and smart TV worldwide through the custom app and website.

Find an impressive catalogue of profiles on vineyards and winemakers, follow sommeliers through blind tasting sessions and travel to stunning destinations meeting chefs and growers along the way. Explore rare and exotic foods with behind-thescene storytellers worldwide. You can add Somm TV to your watchlist and know that your neighbor here in Naples had her hand in curating the content as well as in the film making.

Reflecting, Diane says, “many women, my age and older, who chose to stay home have struggled to find ‘what’s next.’ I was, quite literally, saved by a glass of wine! If you have a passion for something, as difficult as it might be, pursue that passion no matter what age you are.”

We will drink to that.

FIND DIANE SommTV.com Follow Diane on IG @YourWineStylist and @Somm_Films

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

15

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HOT SPOT

TASTE, DESIGN AND QUALITY MAKE BURN'S FOUNDER HUNGRY FOR MORE.

18

Naples Lifestyle | October 2020

ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Pure Patel WHEN ROCKY PATEL MOVED TO NAPLES IN 1999, LEAVING A LAW PRACTICE IN LOS ANGELES IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR, HE HAD THREE EMPLOYEES, A CLEAR VISION AND BIG DREAMS. Now, he employs 3500 people in five luxury cigar lounges and impeccable humidors and across two efficient farms and production facilities in Nicaragua and Honduras. This month, he’s celebrating 25 years crafting beautiful cigars with a blend he calls the Quarter Century. It is rolling out at BURN Naples, where the humidor is open for premium cigar shopping, all made by hand under the watchful eye of Rocky and his team.

The journey begins on the sun-splashed farms in Central America where tobacco seedlings grows bold and bright and culminates, 4-5 years later as factory inspectors study each cigar’s shape, color, texture, weight and smell. “The journey is long, with hours of attention during farming, fermentation, sorting, production and packaging. A labor of love and passion,” says Rocky. “The art form of cigar making is unique and we take it very seriously.”

He has personally spend the last five years working with the FDA to educate lawmakers and deregulate cigars. “The FDA casts a wide net over these regulations and cigars are not the same as cigarettes. They do not carry the same health risks.”

Producing more than 24 million cigars a year, he opened BURN lounges to showcase the brand, offering a fine dining and elevated cocktail experience with live music in an elegant setting. “Our HVAC systems are second to none, so men and women can enjoy a fine cigar with their cocktail, dance, enjoy the patio with a mature and dynamic atmosphere.”

We pray the revelry will safely resume very soon at BURN Naples, opened in 2010 as the flagship. Lounges in Pittsburgh, Oklahoma City, Indianapolis and Atlanta have each been designed by Rocky, showcasing a unique mix of Rocky Patel lives in Naples but his heart is in the tobacco fields of Honduras and Nicaragua where the journey of his cigars begin.

regional art and exotic decor.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

19

HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)

“ I l e a r n e d t o c o o k f r o m my m o m a n d watched cooking shows, developing a palate a n d u n d e r s t a n d i n g i n g r e d i e n t s .”

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Naples Lifestyle | October 2020

The walk-in humidor is constructed from Spanish cedar to protect the 400-plus cigars. An online catalogue gives aficionados a chance to shop from home at BurnByRockyPatel.com.

People are enjoying Rocky Patel’s premium cigars at home and his story is evolving.

When I spoke with Rocky, he was cooking for his executive team.

Again.

An accomplished chef (he had a cooking show at one point), Rocky will routinely prepare 12 course meals for friends, family and employees. On a recent Sunday, he tossed a salad of lettuces, radicchio, goat cheese, walnuts and pomegranate seeds. Next up came small plates of scallops with a beurre blanc, Alaskan king crab with amazu sauce and quail won tons with blueberry hoisin finish. “I learned to cook from my mom and watched cooking shows, developing a palate and understanding ingredients,” says Rocky.

After a fine meal, Rocky enjoys a Sun Grown Maduro (award-winning, available in five sizes, with a 95 rating) with an Italian super Tuscan or single malt scotch. “You get more flavor from a cigar after a meal, and it’s very relaxing.”

This flair for creativity, taste, design and perfection is evident in his businesses, as well as his kitchen. He is also building spec homes, pushing the envelope on style, with Balinese influences and progressive elements that are pure Patel.

Wa t c h YouTube - Rocky Patel - Against All Odds

Shop BurnByRockyPatel.com RockyPatel.com

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

21

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

W h a t ' s C o o k i n g?

NAPLES CHEFS SHARE WHAT'S UP THEIR SLEEVES FOR THE SEASON

Tulia Osteria Osteria Tulia is Florida’s first osteria, serving rustic Italian fare in a restored Italian farmhouse. The menu is inspired by

466 5th Avenue South 239.213.2073 OsteriaTulia.com

NL: IT TAKES MORE THAN A GREAT CHEF TO SUCCEED IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY. TELL US ABOUT YOUR TEAM.

Chef Vincenzo Betulia’s authentic cuisine of his childhood.

You are correct that a good restaurant is not all about the chef.

Ingredients are sourced from artisanal growers in Italy as well

I own three restaurants (soon four) and employ 230. My staff is my

as America. Tulia offers house made cheese, sausage and

family. The company (Campagna Hospitality Group) was built around

pasta, local produce, fresh seafood and meat from farms that

family. We make almost everything in house. All the pasta is made by

make the smallest eco-footprint possible.

my mother. It is the people that make the soul of my restaurants.

NL: WHAT CAN GUESTS EXPECT FROM

NL: HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO

CHEF VINCENZO THIS FALL?

SURVIVE SINCE THE PANDEMIC?

Linguine and Clams are usually one of the dishes we put on

While we were closed we converted the restaurant into a neigh-

the menu. We add hearty dishes like slow braised pork shank

borhood on-line market. And thanks to our incredibly supportive

with gremolata and braised beef short ribs. Winter is our grow-

community we were able to raise $60,000 and distributed the funds

ing season so we have an incredible bounty.

to all of our furloughed employees. We fed them and their families free of charge and also paid for health care. Like I said, we are a big family. Tulia Osteria offers inside dining at 50% capacity, as well as patio dining. They also offer carry-out and delivery options.

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Naples Lifestyle | October 2020

ARTICLE VIKKI LOCKE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Chef Vincenzo Betulia of Tulia Osteria

9225 Gulf Shore Drive North

Chef Dylan Evans (left) with Turtle Club General Manager., Curtis McCreary

239.592.6557 TurtleClubNaples.com

The Turtle Club Restaurant

Located at Vanderbilt Beach Resort, The Turtle Club is a romantic, beachfront eatery serving coastal cuisine in an upscale atmosphere. They serve only the freshest seafood and steaks. The indoor dining area features warm wood tones and comfy leather seating with plenty of windows to enjoy the gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico. We wanted to find out what inspires Chef Dylan Evans.

NL: WHAT DISH MAKES YOUR BEAUTIFUL RESTAURANT SPECIAL? I love to see a guest's face light up when dining with us.

One of our most popular seasonal items is the Sea Harvest Platter. You get a taste of everything the sea has to offer.

NL: HOW HAVE YOU DEALT WITH THE PANDEMIC OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS? I’ve come to realize that over the past few months, our guests come to us to get away for a little while from the worries of the outside world. We care about the safety

NL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR TEAM.

of our guests and our staff and have protocols in place

I work 6 days a week and long hours but it never seems

that reflect that. Our circumstances may have changed

like work because my culinary team is amazing. They are

but our goal is still the same: to make sure our guests

some of the best and hardest working people I know. The

are treated with gracious hospitality so they may enjoy

Turtle Club wouldn’t be the same without them.

their experience with us.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

25

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED) Chef/owner Fabrizio Aielli of Sea Salt

1186 Third Street South 239.434.7258 SeaSaltNaples.com

Sea Salt Chef/owner Fabrizio Aielli has worked in the food industry since he was 14. Growing up in Venice he was

NL: THE LAST SIX MONTHS HAVE BEEN BRUTAL FOR THE INDUSTRY. HOW HAVE YOU COPED?

inspired by all of the fresh ingredients. Sea Salt stocks

It has always been our true belief that it takes a team

more than 100 different varieties of salt and infused

of integral professionals to run a successful restaurant.

flavored salts. His global menu has been praised for its

Every member of our staff is highly engaged, finding cre-

quality and creativity. We wanted to find out what Fall

ative ways to stay on top of this pandemic and making

flavors are in store for guests.

sure to support each other. These challenging months have shown how passionate our ‘family members’ are.

NL: TELL US WHAT WILL BE ON THE

Without them, we wouldn’t be able to navigate through

MENU AT SEA SALT THIS FALL.

the past six months and we are grateful for each and

We are always aiming to utilize ingredients of the season and from sustainable sources. It can be very simple like pumpkin or unique like fresh white truffles from Alba (Italy).

My inspiration comes from art and nature which I like to display on each dish. Another point of inspiration comes from my childhood in Venice. Memories of my mother’s cooking will always be a part of me and my cuisine.

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Naples Lifestyle | October 2020

every one of them.

PANOR AMIC VIEWS OVER THE GULF OF MEXICO 7 5 7 5 P E L I C A N B AY B LV D # 1 0 0 3 3 B E D S | 3 . 5 B AT H S | 3 , 0 4 6 S Q F T | 2 C A R

7575pelicanbay.com Engel & Völkers Naples Bonita-Estero 837 5th Ave S · Naples · 34102 License # BK3035763 239 - 248 - 0551 ©2019 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated.

Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

ENGEL&VÖLKERS RYAN CHIODO

TREND SETTER

Everyday Luxury THE HANDSOME LOCAL ARTICLE DECK NEW NORMAL WOULD GO IN THIS SPACE LOCAL AT JOSEPH ARTICLE WENDT DECK WOULD GO IN THIS SPACE ARTICLE BYLINE | PHOTOGRAPHY BYLINE

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Naples Lifestyle | October 2020

ARTICLE GINGER MOXAM | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

AS

NAPLES’

PREMIER

DESTINATION

FOR BESPOKE MENSWEAR, HANDMADE CUSTOM SHOES, LUXURY SPORTSWEAR, GIFTS AND ACCESSORIES AND FINE ITALIAN WINES, JOSEPH WENDT CUSTOM CLOTHIERS IS PREPARING FOR ANOTHER SEASON OF FALL FASHION. Wendt’s styling and impeccable tailoring can be seen on celebrities, top businessmen, professional athletes and coaches. His Broad Avenue storefront provides his customers unparalleled personal service and a unique product, all while being surrounded by Naples’ finest galleries, shopping and lively Third Street South dining scene.

Wendt focuses on bringing in fall fashions that are well suited for the Naples climate. When it comes to Florida’s fall weather, Joseph is used to outfitting his clients in fabrics and styles that keep off the chill while still maintaining the lightweight fit they’ve come to know and love. This includes lightweight linens, denim in seasonal shades, luxurious sport coats and more. Of course, every piece in the store is hand selected from Italian desingers, each with a story to tell.

What makes the upcoming season especially unique is that fewer of his clients are seeing a need to “dress up” - as most are celebrating special occasions or having boardroom meetings from home. Wendt’s advice? There’s always a reason to dress up and feel your best.

He’s become somewhat of an expert in the art of “everyday luxury,” featuring pieces that are handcrafted to perfection while providing style without the stuffiness.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

29

TREND SETTER (CONTINUED)

Paired perfectly with his high luxury Italian fabrics and shoes is his selection of small production Italian wines. His in-store wine room is decked with lesser known labels that vary in background, flavor and price but never in quality. If you’re a vino aficionado, you’ll appreciate his eye for unique wines, and if you’re ready to learn then pull up a chair and lend an ear.

Wendt personally knows the history and production process for every wine he sells.

As his clients began celebrating more milestone occasions from the comfort of their living rooms, Wendt began crafting hand selected wine packages complete with a few bottles, hand blown crystal glassware and one of his stunning decanters. Just as you can customize and hand select fabrics and finishes for bespoke clothing, Joseph will curate a selection of wines for any palette or occasion.

Accomodating the needs of his customers over the last few months, Wendt has traveled to clients’ homes or provided them with a private shopping experience in-store. “Primarily, we wanted to create an exceptional buying experience for our customers,” says Wendt. Even with social distancing in place, Wendt continues to do just that. Whether it’s customizing a selection of Italian wines for an at-home dinner party or re-sculpting a client’s wardrobe for dressing up to stay in, Joseph Wendt aims for experiences as unique as his products.

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Naples Lifestyle | October 2020

Joey Wendt prepares for a private shopping experience at his Broad Ave. clothier.

JOSEPH WENDT CUSTOM CLOTHIERS 386 Broad Ave. South 239.530.0070 JosephWendtCC.comÂ

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

31

FOOD & WINE

VEGGIES AND

the egg

SHANNON MORGAN LOVES HER BIG GREEN EGG

ARTICLE NAPLES LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON MORGAN

Big Green Egg Ambassador, Shannon Morgan of Naples at home. Opposite page: grilled heirloom carrots and grilled vegetable lasagna with grilled Beyond Meat italian sausage.

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Naples Lifestyle | October 2020

IF YOU'VE EVER MET SOMEONE WHO HAS A BIG GREEN EGG, YOU KNOW ALL ABOUT THE CERAMIC KAMADO-STYLE CHARCOAL GRILL AND ITS MERITS, BECAUSE AFFICIANADOS TALK ABOUT THEIR "EGG" NON-STOP. Meet Shannon Morgan, who took her love of the BGE to the next level with...vegetables! Yes, veggies!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BIG GREEN EGG AMBASSADORSHIP AND WHY VEGGIES? My first Big Green Egg experience was really a trial by fire. On a whim, I volunteered to be a chef at the 2019 Sunshine Ace Egg Fest held in Bonita Springs, even though I had never grilled before, but only if I could cook a vegetarian meal. They loved the idea and gave me a booth. By the end of the very hot day of grilling more than 300 portions of two different menu items I was hooked on the BGE. I bought my first (of three) a week later. My husband happily eats both vegetarian and non-veg meals. I love sharing grilling inspiration and cooking ideas that can be made on the BGE--especially how you can take one meal idea and make it for both carnivores and vegetarians without changing the entire menu. I’ve seen the look of panic on a host’s face during a dinner party when they realize I am vegetarian, and they need to figure out what they can make for me to eat. It’s not as difficult as it may seem.

After I started to build a following on my Instagram page, BGE took notice and reached out to me about being an ambassador. I’m guessing it was because of my love of the BGE and that I cook food many other ambassadors don’t. I have grilled many carrot hot dogs and cauliflower steaks, but never a brisket. So, I bring a slightly different perspective to grilling on the BGE. Unfortunately, with COVID this year, there haven’t been opportunities to get out and share BGE cooking at public events. Almost all the egg fests were cancelled. I have enjoyed sharing my cooking during Facebook or Instagram live events.

WHAT CAME FIRST FOR YOU, AN INTEREST IN COOKING OR THE BGE? My love of cooking started about 15 years ago after watching Giada DeLaurentiis make her homemade marinara sauce on the Food Network. Who knew how easy it could be and how much better it tastes compared to store bought sauce? From there I continued to explore other recipes and found out how much I enjoyed the process of making a homemade meal for friends and family. That page in my cookbook is stained with tomato sauce. In 2014, I started eating a mostly vegetarian diet. At first, I was afraid that I would be limited to salads. But I discovered nothing could be further from the truth. My cooking journey over the years has opened my eyes to experimenting with many new plantbased foods and delicious flavor profiles.

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FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED) WHAT IS A MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT COOKING ON THE BGE? That it’s just a grill. The BGE is so versatile. Yes, you can grill great steaks or veggies on it, but it’s also a smoker and an oven. Nearly anything you can cook on or in your stove you can cook on an Egg. I’ve baked homemade bread, pizza, lasagna, roasted chicken, and even grilled romaine lettuce. That has been one of my most surprisingly delicious experiments. Grilling it takes on such a great flavor twist.

GRILLING VEGGIES FOR ME MEANS SEEING MY ZUCCHINI SLICES SIP THROUGH THE GRILL GRATES. WHAT'S THE SECRET? I have been there and feel your pain. I now have a perforated half-moon grill pan that is perfect for grilling smaller foods like veggies. I put the pan on one side of the grill and cook my broccoli or onions and peppers, while grilling chicken on the other side. Another great idea for veggies, like asparagus, is to soak butchers’ twine in water and then make small tied bundles of about 8-10 stalks each to toss on the grill for 5-7 minutes. No more veggies lost to the grates and the presentation is beautiful.

I think veggies taste best when they are drizzled with a bit of olive oil and sprinkled with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper and grilled. Occasionally I will mix it up a Grill roasted beet and goat cheese galette baked on the BGE (top) and grilled veggie and black bean chili from Shannon's kitchen.

bit and add some of my favorite BBQ rub seasonings. I try to cut the pieces into similar sizes so they cook evenly. If I was doing a mix of broccoli and yellow squash, I would suggest cooking the broccoli first for a few minutes before adding in the quick cooking squash. That way they are both done at the same time.

FAMILY IS EVERYTHING! TELL US ABOUT YOURS. Naples has been my home since 1992. I’ve raised my kids here and love Southwest Florida. Happily, both of my kids (Paige and Ryan) still live in Naples, along with my granddaughter, Harper. It’s true what they say about how terrific grandkids are. Whenever Harper visits, she always wants “to make something,” which means she wants to cook with Nana. I love it. She is much more into baking cookies or muffins right now, but grilling is in my plans with her soon. My husband, Dave, and I recently moved into a new home so that I would have an outdoor kitchen to enjoy year-round grilling and entertaining.

FOLLOW SHANNON ON IG AT @BIGGREENEGGFOODIE

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Naples Lifestyle | October 2020

MASERATI OF FORT MYERS 14401 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL 239-789-1011 MASERATIOFFORTMYERS.COM

ALFA ROMEO OF FORT MYERS 14401 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL 239-230-3563 ALFAROMEOUSAFORTMYERS.COM