Naples Illustrated May 2026

SIGNATURE STAPLES

FOUR CHEFS REVEAL INGREDIENTS THAT HELP FRAME THEIR FOOD

DRINK TO HEALTH

CREATIVE, COLORFUL SIPS THAT NOURISH NATURALLY

The DiningIssue

KAYLA PFEIFFER

Design

INSPIRED BY YOU

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76

Local

By Karen Feldman

84 DRINK THE RAINBOW

Colorful concoctions

By Jules Aron

90 CLEAR SKIES

From chic scarves to breezy dresses and all the bathing suits in between, the season’s fashion

Photography by Alberto Gonzalez

Olio e Limone, a creative drink featuring Meyer lemon, olive oil, honey, ginger, and coconut water

In the heart of Naples with Gulf views, Sterling’s invites you to unforgettable moments.

A PRIVATE MEMBERS CLUB

ROOFTOP • WELLNESS • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

Soirees from the

Jones & Jeffries Gallery opens downtown, offering patrons a creative space to talk and shop art 32

The latest from Youth Haven, Marilyn’s new digs, fiction from a local author, and news from Naples Winter Wine Festival

36

Chef Gavin Kaysen dishes on The Merchant Room

Literary-inspired accessories to rock to book club and beyond 40

Upgrade your athleisure with elevated sporty staples

An iconic image through a Lilly lens 44

What our editors are wearing to bed

A delicious twist on everyday jewelry

Elegant fragrances with notes of nature

The Gordons, Livingston Woods residents

Kate Killeen creates a perfect family home by reconfiguring spaces and seizing sweeping water views 60

Rococo decor reimagined for 2026 62

The devil is in the details for Renée Gaddis, whose diligent approach leaves clients delighted and satisfied JOURNEYS 65

Trekking with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Checking in at Vero Beach’s Costa d’Este 72 HIGH ROAD

Why Range Rovers are the SUVs to beat

74 HIGH SEAS

Sabre’s 38 Salon Express is built to slice EAT + DRINK 101 FINE FARE

Italian restaurant Bice Naples gets a new look that is light and bright

102 LOCAL BITES

Southwest Florida steak houses to savor, a creative edible hat (just in time for the Kentucky Derby), how to embrace chocolate this month, and more

110 MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

A glamorous cocktail à la mode BALANCE

113 EXPERT ADVICE

Why ankle strength is so important

114 HEALTH & FITNESS

Thrive IV Bar offers innovative treatments, tips to keep beards beautiful, and more

116 SEASONED WITH STYLE

Calming the body so the mind can follow

117 TRENDING

Milk is making a comeback SCENE

123 TOP BILLING

Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary offers immersive new programs

124 CALENDAR

What to see and do this month

GOOD DEEDS

128 MOTIVATED BY LOVE

Sheila Zellers seeks to change hearts

Publisher Meegan Wyatt

Editor in Chief Jane E. Enos

Creative Director Olga M. Gustine Executive Editor Mary Murray

Managing Editor Allison Wolfe Reckson

Senior Editor Darby Kordonowy

Copy Editors Kelley Marcellus, Kat Smith

Dining Editor Karen Feldman Libations Editor Jules Aron

Fashion Editor Katherine Lande

Automotive Editor Howard Walker Travel Editor Paul Rubio

Web Editor Abigail Duffy Social Media Editor Megan Roberts

DESIGN

Senior Art Director Ashley Meyer

Art Directors Airielle Farley, Jenny Fernandez-Prieto

Digital Imaging Specialist Leonor Alvarez-Maza

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Patricia Janeway, Erika Klein, Zlata Kotmina, Chloe Krammel, Jacquelynn Powers, Will Riddell, Kelly Rogers, Gaylene Salomons, Victoria Scott, Liza Grant Smith, Chelle Koster Walton, Mary Thurman Yuhas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Nicholas Ferris, Alberto Gonzalez, Chloe Krammel, Gyorgy Papp, Jerry Rabinowitz, Nick Shirghio

SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Lane Wilkinson

ADVERTISING

Account Managers

Kathleen Beuttel, 239-298-7506, kbeuttel@naplesillustrated.com; Harvey Dana, 305-984-6684, hdana@palmbeachmedia.com; Jennifer Dardano, 561-472-1905, jdardano@palmbeachmedia.com; Dina Turner, 561-472-2201, dturner@palmbeachmedia.com

Group

National Sales Director Deidre Wade, 561-472-1902, dwade@palmbeachmedia.com

Advertising Services Coordinator Elizabeth Hackney

MARKETING

Marketing Manager Rebecca Desir

Marketing Art Director Saige Roberts

PRODUCTION

Production Director Selene M. Ceballo

Production Manager Lourdes Linares

Digital Pre-Press Specialist George Davis

Senior Designer Jeffrey Rey

Advertising Design Coordinator Anaely J. Perez Vargas

Production Coordinator Ileana Caban

Digital Marketing Manager Tyler Sansone

OPERATIONS

Accounting and HR Specialist Becky Briand

Accounts Receivable Specialists

Ana Coronel, Avery Morales

Distribution Manager Judy Heflin

Logistics Manager Omar Morales

Circulation Manager Marjorie Leiva

Circulation Assistant Britney Stinson

Circulation Promotions Manager David Supple

IT Manager Omar Greene

Operating

HOUR

CEO

OUR ADVISORY BOARD

SHELLY STAYER

CHAIRWOMAN, Naples Illustrated Advisory Board Johnsonville Foods, president/co-owner

UBS Private Wealth Management, executive team assistant

Method & Concept, creative director, managing partner

NCH Healthcare, marketing and communications director

Aurora Investment Managers LLC, partner and portfolio manager

CLAUDINE LEGER-WETZEL

Stock Development, vice president, sales and marketing

ASHLEY GERRY

NCEF, trustee; CMON, board member

MICHAEL WYNN

Sunshine Ace Hardware, president

CHAD JENSEN

VICKI BAKER

BRENDA MELTON Celebrity Martini Glass Auction, founder

SHAWN MCCONNELL

ASHLEY SMITH

AUDREY

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FROM THE EDITOR

TASTE OF THE TOWN

There’s no denying many people find themselves in Naples because of the water and weather, but I submit another contributing factor: food. With tempting restaurants tucked within nearly every corner of our city, the dining options are bountiful, affording variety at every turn. This edition of Naples Illustrated—our annual dining issue—celebrates some of the culinary creativity shaping Naples’ ever-evolving food and drink scene.

For this issue’s cover feature, Dining Editor Karen Feldman cooked up a story on four Naples-based chefs: Todd Johnson of Nosh on Naples Bay; Brooke Kravetz of The Supper Club and Old Vines Naples at Mercato; Kayla Pfeiffer of Bicyclette Cookshop, Heyday Cookshop, and Thank You Kindly Cookshop; and Gaspard Toulouppe of Bleu Provence. To get to the heart of each chef’s approach, Feldman asked them to create a dish using their favorite ingredient. The result is a splendid mix of inspiration, from umami-rich miso to fragrant fennel, with each chef plating their own signature spin. While any of these four talents could have graced our cover, we ultimately chose 30-yearold Pfeiffer, whom we photographed in Bicyclette Cookshop. In March, she appeared on Flavortown Food Fight hosted by Guy Fieri; she also sliced and diced her way to victory on the Food Network’s Chopped in early 2024. Turn to page 76 to learn more about Pfeiffer and her contemporaries.

Don’t miss a colorful and nutrient-packed array of beverages (along with recipes on how to prepare each) in “Drink the Rainbow,” starting on page 84. Within this feature, Libations Editor Jules Aron has once again concocted enticing drinks—with and without alcohol—that include ingredients such as carrot, lemon, and tomato. For an additional drink recipe from Aron, flip to page 110, where she presents La Dolce Vita Rosé Fizz, a beverage featuring Donnafugata wines.

On page 36, hear from a new chef in town, Gavin Kaysen, chef/partner at The Merchant Room, located within the newly opened Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort. Writer Will Riddell delves into what inspired Kaysen to bring his vision to Southwest Florida, the cuisine at The Merchant Room, Kaysen’s impressions of Naples, and much more. Plus, flip to page 101 for our standing Eat+Drink section, which includes news on Bice Naples’ new look, Harvest & Wisdom at Shangri-La Springs in Bonita Springs, a few area spots to savor incredible steaks, and other flavorsome highlights.

From the streets of downtown Naples to our own distinct kitchen tables, food remains at the center of many routines, customs, and memorable events. Let us not forget its importance. As Virginia Woolf said in A Room of One’s Own, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

Bon appétit!

Jane E. Enos jenos@naplesillustrated.com

IGOR KOPYLOV

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TWO TOURS, ONE COMPETITION

WHO: LPGA and PGA Tour

WHAT: Grant Thornton Invitational WHERE: Tiburón Golf Club, Naples DETAILS:

The only mixed team event on the schedules of the LPGA and PGA Tour took place the second weekend in December. The winners of the three-day competition were Andrew Novak and Lauren Coughlin, who finished at a record 28 under par for a three-stroke victory. MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated

1.

up a

Dana and Tyler Estes 2. Tony Oliverio, Karla Nason, Lorenzo Oliverio 3. Event trophy 4. Andrew Novak, Lauren Coughlin 5. Lisa and Eva Lye 6. Phil and Andrea Eagleson 7. A contestant lines

putt 8. Ryan, Sage, and Samantha Senkarik

NICK SHIRGHIO

AN EPIC EVENING OF MUSIC

WHO: Wasserman/Steve Hagenbuckle WHAT: Live Fest WHERE: Tiburón Golf Club, Naples DETAILS: A much-loved outdoor music festival returned to Naples with performances by Rock Republic, O.A.R, Russell Dickerson, and Darius Rucker. MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated

1. Chris Robinson, Sally Sterioti, Annie Hills, Murielle A'lamar, Kate MIller 2. Steve Hagenbuckle 3. Jen Barker, Mindy Dreith 4. Marty and Vicki McCarthy 5. Brooke Boehmer, Gaylene Salomons, Kathy Beuttel, Meegan Wyatt 6. Lori Chapdelaine, Emma Bookman, Adam Morgenstern, Eric and Aga Edwards 7. Ted and Emily Monty 8. Jane Enos, Idalia Enos 9. AJ Radunz, Emma Jones 10. Ira Dean

LBU LIGHTING

WHO: LBU Lighting Naples

WHAT: A 40-year anniversary celebration WHERE: LBU Lighting Naples showroom DETAILS: Local designers, builders, and contractors gathered for an event at LBU Lighting Naples, enjoying hors d’oeuvres and signature drinks and raising funds for Café of Life, an area nonprofit.

MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated

NICK

SHIRGHIO

1. Theresa and Mark Hutchinson

2. Dolores Siok and Robert Bartelme 3. Martha Velez, Nelson Portillo 4. Kathy and Richard Redfern 5. Sebastian Castrillon

Alex Ostrovsky, Carlos Leon 6. Gavin Oihus, Athena Thompson

7. Kim and John Stencel, Tiny and Dan Francisco 8. Sheelagh Gersowsky, Harvey Dana, Liz Goodman 9. Pam Davis and Hugh Davis, Patty Krebs

FELINE FUN

WHO: For the Love of Cats WHAT: The Purr Ball WHERE: Marco Island Yacht Club DETAILS: This signature waterfront gala featured a gourmet dinner, open bar, and night of live entertainment followed by dancing under the stars in support of cats in need in Collier County. MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated

1. Rick LoCastro, Julia Grace

2. Shannon Livingston, Roger Baker 3. Gary Shanabarger 4. Cliff Manchester, Roger Baker, Ruth Manchester 5. Michele Santell, Pamela Alagel, Cynthia Leslie, Sheri Phillips-Cox 6. Mardette Maliszewski, Brian Sallade 7. Rasit and Ilkay Turk

8. Joan and Gerry Gorman 9. Becky Irwin, Cathy Ahern

R. VIKTORIA TOTORAITIS, MD

Medical Director

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MAZEN K. ABUAWAD,MD

Executive Director

NCH Wingard Stroke Institute

John & Susan Morrison Endowed Chair

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THE INSIDE TRACK TO NEAPOLITAN LIVING

BRUSH WITH THE SEA

A new art gallery in downtown Naples is known for its coastalcontemporary vibe. Jones & Jeffries Gallery held its grand opening in late January. It features around 20 pieces that typically rotate every three weeks. Gallery Director Jeannie Polisuk has been a professional painter for 30 years. She is originally from Canada but now calls Naples home. She says she and her husband love everything their new community has to offer. “We fell in love with the beauty of Naples,” she says. “One of the reasons why I wanted a gallery was so that I could connect more deeply with the people in this community because I think they’re wonderful.” She says she wants her gallery to be a place where creatives can come together and talk about art. “It’s about the beauty that is around us [here],” Polisuk explains. “We like the emotions and feelings that people get when they look at art. We like landscapes that remind you of being at sea.”

Polisuk says her gallery will grow organically, and she will carefully select works that fit its brand. In addition to Polisuk’s art, works from Francine Belleau, Monique Carr, Jessica Feldheim, Jean-Pierre Kunkel, Laurie Kwo, Brooke Mierins, Sara Alex Mullen, Sandy Palasti, Brittany Clifford, and Caroline Koyman are displayed at the gallery presently. Artists are welcome to submit their portfolios for consideration on the gallery’s website. Jones & Jeffries Gallery is located at 751 Twelfth Avenue South.(jonesandjeffriesgallery.com) –Victoria Scott

Clockwise from inset: Gleam Tide by Monique Carr; Wave No. 17 by JeanPierre Kunkel; Jeannie Polisuk poses alongside her artwork, Swept Away

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

A local nonprofit that improves the lives of homeless and abused youth in Southwest Florida is undergoing a multimillion-dollar construction project. Youth Haven, founded in 1972 and Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and young people (ages 6 to 21), launched its Building Hope capital campaign last fall. The $20 million campaign will provide funding for a new state-of-the-art therapeutic center for children. The organization’s CEO, Linda Goldfield, says this 22,000-square-foot building will include a STEM lab, music room, art room, library, yoga and meditation studio, and many other highlights. “All of our children have a traditional therapist,” Goldfield says. “However, kids can oftentimes not want to participate in traditional therapy. All these other programs— art therapy, music therapy, animal-assisted therapy—allow children to heal in different ways than traditional therapy.”

Talks of this project started around four years ago. Goldfield says Youth Haven started seeing children with more severe trauma; however, she says the organization started running out of space to provide services for them. “Our children deserve to have all the opportunities to heal,” she says. “This capital campaign ensures our children have the opportunity to build hope for tomorrow.”

Youth Haven’s mission wouldn’t be possible without community support. Goldfield says the organization’s annual budget is $9 million, with $8 million of that originating from generous donors and community partners. In March, Youth Haven held its annual Starry Nights Gala, an event that raised more than $2.6 million this year. It also held a luncheon in January that garnered more than $1 million. Construction for Youth Haven’s new center began earlier this year; it should be finished in 2027. (youthhavenswfl.org) –V.S.

SHOP LOCAL

Making A MOVE

A fashion staple that planted its roots in downtown Naples now has a new place to call home. Beloved luxury boutique Marilyn’s recently moved from Fifth Avenue South to 650 Goodlette-Frank Road to embark on its next chapter. Owner Marilyn Hellman says parking issues and limited store space played a role in the move. “I had been wanting to leave for a while because we had outgrown the space,” says Hellman. “I couldn’t offer the same kind of service.”

Hellman says her new store location used to be a warehouse space. “We store our merchandise all in one place, so two-thirds of the store is in a stock room in the back,” she explains. “The first part of the store is mostly accessories and clothing.”

The new location features spacious dressing rooms and is optimal for shopping and entertaining. “We have a large open space that allows us to entertain for the first time,” Hellman says. “Our first opening had 100 people.” Hellman hosts parties at her store every third Thursday of the month. “I always wanted to have a cocktail with every one of my customers,” she explains. “Now, I invite them to come see me on the third Thursday of every month. I can see them and have a drink with them.”

Hellman says making her clients happy is a priority. “This was all designed around service for the customer,” she says. “Now, we’ll be able to know more of our customers’ names. That’s what we want; we want a customer for life.” Marilyn’s is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m-5 p.m. Private appointments are also available. (marilynhellman.com) V.S.

Inset and top left: Youth Haven has plans for a new 22,000-square-foot therapeutic center, which broke ground in February.

COURTESY OF YOUTH HAVEN

HELEN WERNER

COURTESY OF MARILYN'S

What a Thrill

A Naples resident has made a name for herself as an author. Caryn Hacker-Buechel published her book, The General’s Princess (MindStir Media, 2025), holding a launch party for it earlier this year at the newly-opened Books on Third. The book, a romantic military thriller, explores themes of trauma and resilience. Hacker-Buechel spent three decades as a psychotherapist and listened to thousands of people’s stories. She says she got the idea for the plot after meeting someone who worked as a personal trainer for a princess in Saudi Arabia. “I didn’t know there were jobs like that,” HackerBuechel says. “That gave me the format and place so that what was in my head could come out.” The fictional book tells of an unemployed personal trainer, Cara Florés Hart, who takes a high-paying job for the royal family in Saudi Arabia. She later finds herself amid a humantrafficking nightmare.

Hacker-Buechel wants people to take an important message away from her book. “Your

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Naples Winter Wine Festival raises more than $30 million

The Naples Winter Wine Festival, held earlier this year, did not disappoint after raking in more than $30 million at its live auction. The annual event was held at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, from January 30 to February 1, and serves as the primary fundraiser for Naples Children Foundation (NCF). NCF supports charitable programs that improve the lives of at-risk and underprivileged youth in Collier County. With 2026 contributions, the festival’s total impact tallies more than $366 million since its inception in 2001. This year’s event featured Aperture Cellars founder Jesse Katz, who contributed to two live-auction items that together raised $720,000. The first, Sonoma’s Finest with Aperture and Chef Valette, Colorado High-Life with Cuvée Luxury Villas, featured a dual-destination, nine-day immersion centered around Aperture Cellars and the personal hospitality of Katz. The second, Magic in Music City, will send four couples by private jet from Naples to Nashville, where they will enjoy gourmet meals, fine wine, and a private concert.

past actually helps you find your strengths and a sense of resilience, so you can heal and fi nd your best self moving forward,” she explains.

The author says it took her a decade to write.

“Those were long days,” Hacker-Buechel says. “I was spending six hours a day in my home office writing, or I was on the beach, or I was in coffee shops.” Hacker-Buechel says she plans to spend the rest of 2026 marketing her book. She started doing book clubs. “The first one I did was at the Port Royal Club, which is mentioned in the book,” she notes. The Dock at Crayton Cove is also mentioned in The General’s Princess. The book can be found at several retailers, including Books on Third, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. (carynhackerbuechel.com) –V.S.

The giving didn’t stop at The Ritz, people also took part in an online auction that raised more than $1 million. A couple online auction items included Fishing in the Florida Keys (bid at $23,500) and a sunset cruise and dinner (bid at $19,000) at the residence of NCF trustees Jim and Kelley Bailey, proprietors of Knights Bridge Winery in California. (napleswinefestival.com) —V.S.

Caryn Hacker-Buechel (above) penned The General’s Princess, a romantic military thriller exploring trauma and resilience.

COASTAL CRAVINGS

AWARD-WINNING CHEF GAVIN KAYSEN BRINGS HIS SIGNATURE CUISINE TO THE MERCHANT ROOM AT NAPLES BEACH CLUB, A FOUR SEASONS RESORT

BY WILL RIDDELL

There isn’t much in the food world chef Gavin Kaysen hasn’t done. Win a James Beard Award? Yes, he’s done that–twice. Guest star on Food Network? He’s offered his expertise as a judge on Bobby’s Triple Threat. Make sandwiches at Subway? Kaysen pumped out footlongs while working at the fast-food restaurant as a teenager. While in Minnesota, the one thing Kaysen hadn’t done was open a dining establishment outside the Land of 10,000 Lakes. That changed last year, however, when he debuted The Merchant Room at Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort. Kaysen says fans of his other restaurants, such as Spoon and Stable, will notice similarities with The Merchant Room, but setting up shop in Florida also brings perks you don’t get anywhere else. “You’re right at the bar, then you walk onto the patio, and it’s the million-dollar view,” Kaysen says. “The ocean is right there. Southwest Florida has the best sunsets, and you get to see [these] every night.” Naples Illustrated spoke with the celebrated chef about his restaurant in the Sunshine State and what his future in Naples might look like. Read on for more. (themerchantroomnaples.com)

NI: There are many places to open restaurants. What attracted you to Southwest Florida and Naples?

Kaysen: As a kid, my family and I vacationed there often, so I have nostalgic memories of spending time in both Naples and Sanibel Island. What attracted me most was that many guests I serve in Minneapolis have homes here during the winter months. In our profession, what’s beautiful is that we can move around the country and cook in different places.

What was your vision for The Merchant Room, and how did you make it a reality?

When this opportunity was presented to me, we started to think and dream about different names. The Merchant Room was the name I presented to the team, which was quickly accepted. The vision was to take what we know works well at Spoon and Stable, including some of the dishes and ingredients, and bring that approach to Florida for The Merchant Room.

How did you construct the menu?

Imagine you’re driving down the road and you’re thinking, “I have to go to The Merchant Room and get that pork chop.” That’s a craveable dish, right? I wanted to have some dishes on the menu that I know are very craveable and delicious. And, what I just said raises something else important: is it delicious? Anytime we construct a menu, it’s less about putting ourselves in a creative box and more about asking ourselves, “What are the parameters?”

From your perspective, how is the Southwest Florida dining scene evolving?

I’ve been traveling here for the last three years while this project was being built, so I’ve been able to eat at many restaurants and visit a lot of friends who have restaurants in Southwest Florida. It has changed so much over the last couple of years, and I think a lot of it is similar to what I see in Minneapolis. Many of the people that we cook for are well-traveled, and they know exactly what they want. As long as restaurants continue to fill up and are pushed by guests, it allows us an opportunity to do a lot of different things.

Are we going to see more of chef Gavin Kaysen in Naples?

I hope so! I love being down in Naples. I love the people. Step one is just getting your foot in the door and getting comfortable with everybody and what’s happening. I’m excited to continue to explore what else is here.

ERIN KINCHELOE

PROUD TO EXCLUSIVELY REPRESENT SYLVESTER STALLONE’S ARTWORK

HAMLET IS A HARD LIFE

SYLVESTER STALLONE

1

CURATED FINDS, LUXE ACCESSORIES, AND RUNWAY REPORTS

5

LIBRARY CARD

LATIN CLASS

Tenets of love and gratitude are inscribed on FoundRae’s Infinite Gratitude medium sleek collar necklace with diamonds set in 18-karat gold ($21,700) and Semper Gratus and Lovestruck pierced thin band ring with sapphires set in 18-karat mixed gold ($8,650). (foundrae.com)

LITERARY CHIC

MAN OF MYSTERY

Spy novel but make it high fashion. Authors Terence Ward and Idanna Pucci explore the remarkable role designer Emilio Pucci played in thwarting Nazis during World War II in Emilio Pucci: The Astonishing Odyssey of a Fashion Icon (St. Martin’s Press, $35). (us.macmillan.com)

Collect wearable art with Olympia Le-Tan’s handembroidered minaudieres inspired by literary and cultural references. The limited-edition Greek Mythology book clutch ($1,378) will look great on shelves and on the go. (olympia letan.com)

6 COURTESY OF TORY BURCH

RUNWAY-READY AND BOOK CLUB–APPROVED, LITERARY CHIC IS THE NEW PREP X

BY KATHERINE LANDE

4

CINÉMA VÉRITÉ

Marlene Dietrich famously told Alfred Hitchcock that she would not star in his movie Stage Fright unless Christian Dior designed her costumes. The ultimatum now emblazons this Dior book tote ($3,500). (dior.com)

3 COURTESY OF PRADA

BEST DRESSED

In the Tory Burch and Prada Spring 2026 collections, intellectual ease meets polished prep with a modern twist to ladylike tailoring. Think: loose-fitting pencil skirts, cropped cardigans, and unexpected pops of color. (toryburch.com, prada.com)

LOOK-SEE Be bold with the Frances Valentine x Caddis Miklos readers ($110), featuring the empowering mantra “Unapologetically Optimistic” across the top brim. (francesvalentine. com, caddislife.com)

THE LOOK

SPORTIF SUMMER

LEVEL UP YOUR GYMTO-STREET GAME WITH ELEVATED SPORTY STAPLES AND ACCESSORIES

BY KATHERINE LANDE

TIE ONE ON Fendi Candy necklace with black leather detailing ($1,950), Fendi, fendi.com

TUNNEL VISION

Mask-frame sunglasses ($650),

Gucci, Naples, gucci.com

MAIN SQUEEZE

Hug soft shoulder bag in Light Siena ($3,400), Ferragamo, Naples, ferragamo.com

FUNKY FRESH Jelly mules in Spearmint ($670), Chloé, chloe.com

GIDDY-UP GEAR

Rodeo small handbag ($3,900), Balenciaga, balenciaga.com

LOEWE SPRING 2026

Hernandez infused their New York street roots

Designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro into their

debut collection for the famed Spanish fashion house.

MAKE YOUR POINT Clash de Cartier earrings with green-dyed agate set in 18-karat rose gold ($9,450), Cartier, cartier.com

STYLE NOTES X

HIGH LOW:

Pair sportswear with an ultra-luxe handbag.

COOL COMFORT:

Rubber kitten heels add an unexpected twist.

TOP IT OFF:

Sampieri

Finish the look with a pair of oversize shield sunglasses.

CLEAR AS A BELL

Emily aqua booties in PVC with three-pack of socks ($1,100), Loewe, loewe.com

GORUNWAY, COURTESY OF LOEWE

THONG SONG

thongs in black ($950), Bottega Veneta, bottegaveneta.com

Fountain of YOUTH VISION

Few people influenced the look of twentieth-century Florida more than fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer and photographer Slim Aarons. As part of its “archival revival” efforts and in step with its continued celebration of the brand’s ties to the state’s culture and style, Lilly Pulitzer recently teamed up with photographer Nick Mele to re-create Aarons’ iconic circa-1964 Young Society photo, taken at the fountain of The 400 Building on Palm Beach.

The new image features a modern cast of women and girls who represent the brand’s vibrant present and future, including Lilly Pulitzer’s chief creative officer, Mira Fain (pictured in white). Also pictured are Katherine Lande, Naples Illustrated’s fashion editor; Lilly Leas Ferreira, one of Lilly Pulitzer’s grandchildren; and Emily Dryer, whose grandmother appeared in the original photograph. They all don a mix of vintage Lilly Pulitzer and new shift styles with archival print designs from the Spring 2026 collection.

Mele, a frequent NI contributor and Pulitzer collaborator, has developed a national following for his witty and whimsical take on Americana—a trait that has led some to dub him a modernday Slim Aarons. Part of a larger fine art series, the limited-edition print is available exclusively through Mele’s website.

“Nothing replaces the original—that’s the whole reason we’re still talking about it,” says Mele. “What this version adds is a sense of present-day context. It shows that the world Slim captured hasn’t disappeared. It’s evolved, it’s shifted, but it’s still very much there. And maybe there’s a slight self-awareness to it now. When you re-create something iconic, there’s an understanding that you’re participating in a legacy. The original was simply documenting a moment, but this version knows it’s part of a conversation, which I think gives it a different kind of energy.”

(nickmelefineart.com, lillypulitzer.com)

–Mary Murray

COURTESY OF NICK MELE AND LILLY PULITZER

THE PANAMERA.

The Panamera models combine sporty driving dynamics and a high level of driving comfort. The perfectly coordinated combination of a high-performance drivetrain, the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and the chassis ensures impressive overall performance.

5.0 s

0 - 60 mph

348 hp

Max. engine combined

169 mph

Top track speed (with summer tires)

THE EDIT

Parker pajama set ($148), Timo & Violet, timoandviolet.com

I’ve long wanted matching pajamas with my kids that weren’t limited to holiday mornings. Finally, there’s a set that feels as polished as it is cozy. Beloved for its ultra-soft children’s sleepwear, Timo & Violet is debuting women’s pajamas this month, making matching easy. The Parker two-piece pairs a boyfriend-style top with wide-leg pants, finished with delicate white piping—perfect for a stylish new Mother’s Day tradition.

—Jacquelynn Powers, contributing editor

Sleep Tight

CATCH SOME Z’S IN THESE EDITOR-APPROVED PJ’S AND ACCESSORIES

TEN TOES DOWN

Cloud socks ($16), Le Bon Shoppe, lebonshoppe.com

My sleepwear is pretty boring—I’m a band T-shirt and sweatpants kind of girl. But recently, I’ve been throwing some fluffy socks into the mix, and the Cloud socks from Le Bon Shoppe are my hands-down favorites. They keep my feet at just the right temp (warm but not too warm) and are supremely comfortable.

—Mary Murray, executive editor

SHORT AND SWEET

Elsie shortie pajamas ($138), Kahora Palm Beach, kahorapalmbeach.com

I have many pairs of pajamas, but I always default to this supersoft shortie set by Palm Beach–based fashion brand Kahora. Designer Beth Taylor has introduced solids, stripes, and patterns, with more options on the way. Just what the Sandman ordered.

—Daphne Nikolopoulos, editorial director

LOUNGE

ACT

Art Deco PJ top and pants in green/blue ($345 each), Cynthia Rowley, cynthiarowley.com

It’s been said that “It’s better to look good than to feel good.” I prefer to do both. What better way to accomplish this than luxuriating in Cynthia Rowley’s swank, 100-percent silk set while settling in for a dreamy night surrounded by fresh flowers, a stack of books, and some Champagne?

—Allison Wolfe Reckson, managing editor

KEEP YOUR COOL Wide pants ($128), Dagsmejan, dagsmejan.com

With age comes wisdom—and a strong inclination for staying cool at night. These wide-leg pants from the Swiss-Swedish sleepwear brand Dagsmejan feature Natcool technology, which borrows the natural cooling powers of eucalyptus and other cellulosic fibers to help hot sleepers (like me) stay chill. —Jane E. Enos, editor in chief

DREAM IN SILK

Breakfast at Drowsy eyelash protecting mask ($89), Drowsy Sleep Co., drowsysleepco.com

Crafted from sumptuous mulberry silk, this witty sleep mask features contoured eyecups that shield lashes and extensions from pressure as you slumber, while its blackout design encourages deeper rest. Equal parts glamorous and practical, this travel-ready essential ensures I wake up feeling refreshed and polished with lashes intact.

—Darby Kordonowy, senior editor

BIJOUX

GLAMOROUS GARNISH

INDULGE IN LIFE À LA GEM WITH JEWELRY THAT TAKES A CUE FROM THE KITCHEN

BY MARY MURRAY

1. SULTRY SNACK Alison Lou Caviar Kaspia necklace in 14-karat gold with a caviar tin charm with black diamonds and turquoise enamel and a spoon charm with a black diamond and pearlized enamel, $2,165. (alisonlou.com)

2. FLORIDA FLAVORS La Enovesé Designs Taste of Palm Beach bespoke necklace with seven charms with mixed gemstones set in 24-karat gold filled, $2,430. (laenovesedesigns.com)

3. APPLE OF MY EYE Renato Cipullo Ruby Mela earrings with rubies set in 18-karat gold, $10,900. Shannon Green Fine Jewelry, Naples (shannongreen.com)

4. PEAS IN A POD Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany & Co. peapod brooch with cultured pearls set in 18-karat gold, price upon request. Tiffany & Co., Naples (tiffany.com)

5. TASTES LIKE STRAWBERRIES Oscar Heyman strawberry brooch with rubies, emeralds, and diamonds set in 18-karat gold and platinum, price upon request. Bigham Jewelers, Naples (bighamjewelers.com)

6. LEMON SQUEEZY Sorellina Limoncello earrings with yellow opal, malachite, and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, price upon request. (sorellinanyc.com)

7. FORBIDDEN FRUIT Fullord Eden orange ring with sapphires and diamonds set in 18-karat rose gold, $16,100. Marissa Collections, Naples (marissacollections.com)

8. BEST OF THE BUNCH Cicada grape earrings with spinel beads and multicolored diamonds set in 18-karat gold, $29,600. (cicadajewelry.com)

9. I WANT CANDY Sydney Evan chocolate bar charm with diamonds set in 14-karat gold on a bracelet of matte wooden opal beads, $1,045. (sydneyevan.com)

Every element of your experience reflects our commitment to seamless travel. From the first conversation to your return home, you’ll discover bespoke service and exclusive access shaped by our longstanding partnerships.

Haute Botanica

Fragrances that bottle the best of nature, from grounded woods to heady florals: Krigler Villa America 220 Perfume, named for the Cap d’Antibes home of Sara and Gerald Murphy, a botanical fragrance that blooms with notes of sagebrush, magnolia, lemon, sandalwood, and amber ($595 for 1.7 fl. oz., krigler.com); Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace Eau de Toilette, a warm and spicy unisex scent with notes of pink pepper essence, orange flower absolute, clove oil, chestnut accord, guaiac wood oil, cade oil, vanilla accord, Peru balsam resinoid, and cashmeran ($170 for 3.4 fl. oz., maisonmargiela-fragrances.us); Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau de Parfum, a sweet, amber-floral mix of jasmine, tuberose, tonka bean, almond, cocoa, and coffee ($164 for 2.7 fl. oz., carolinaherrera. com); and Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella Quercia Eau de Parfum, a woody fragrance that pays homage to the oaks of the Medici Villa di Castello gardens, with lavender, vetiver, patchouli, and oakwood, and Acqua, inspired by walks around the garden fountains, with notes of pear, freesia, lotus, and musk ($295 each for 3.4 fl. oz., us.smnovella.com). —Abigail Duffy

RESIDE

DESIGN AND DECOR FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

THE GORDON FAMILY

ACREAGE CLOSE TO THE HEART OF NAPLES LAYS THE FOUNDATION FOR FUN-FILLED DAYS AND GOOD TIMES FOR KIDS AND ADULTS ALIKE

BY GAYLENE SALOMONS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK

A saying featured on a placard in the Gordon family’s home reads: “Life is messy, not perfect.” With four active children—Noah, Isla, Lucy, and Wells, as well as a labrador-mix rescue pup named Riley, David and Carolyn Gordon readily admit bestlaid plans often go awry. Yet, they have learned to roll with them, happily reporting their home is widely

known as “the fun house.”

“Everything in this home is functional, sentimental, or fun,” says Carolyn. The single-level home provides comfortable shelter for this group of six (plus Riley). Hallways are lined with family photographs while shelves play host to meaningful relics of the past. Every male relative, shares Carolyn, “either raced, launched, or flew some-

SHIRGHIO

AT HOME WITH...

thing—from cars to rockets to hot-air balloons,” as she explains the plethora of things around the home that go.

The inhabitants of this house came to be, thanks to Randy Kurtz. He and his father, Ron, started Kurtz Homes—a custom home building company—in Naples in 1982, after moving from Iowa. Randy’s daughters, Elizabeth and Carolyn, grew up in a home on Vanderbilt Beach just north of The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. Although Carolyn thought the town was boring when younger, she says, “I had zero to complain about.”

Carolyn met David Gordon while attending college in North Carolina, where David is from. The two dated and made frequent visits to Naples—often over holidays. On one visit, David decided it was time to ask Randy for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Assuming David’s nervousness during their

one-on-one meeting was because David wanted a job, Randy eagerly offered a position. David now references that meeting as a “two for one,” where he received Randy’s blessing, as well as employment. David now serves as president of Kurtz Homes.

In 2019, David and Carolyn bought a 2,500-square-foot home in Livingston Woods, built in 1996, out of foreclosure. Acquiring the home came with challenges. The family, who have a strong faith in god, decided, says Carolyn, “if it was meant to be, it would be.” And it was. When they took ownership, the Gordons completely remodeled, adding among other features, repurposed wood floors and new kitchen cabinetry. They did all this with the intention of adding on in the future. This spring they broke ground on a 1,200-square-foot addition.

For as much as the house provides a

Clockwise from top left: Wells and Noah Gordon enjoy a spin in their go-kart; David and Carolyn Gordon gather with their children in the kitchen; fresh-baked treats are often enjoyed in the home;

comfortable and safe space, the outdoor amenities take center stage. Friends eagerly accept invites to dive into the pool, cruise in a replica of a Ford Shelby Cobra, or ride along the wooded trail via go-kart or motorcycle. With a playhouse, swings, and room to romp, “birthday parties are always a big hit,” adds Carolyn.

A variety of creatures reside on the property, from frogs to fluorescent-green lynx spiders to owls and mourning doves. On some mornings, when Carolyn drives the kids to school, several Clydesdales in a nearby yard emerge from the early mist. Carolyn remarks, “The atmosphere is surreal.”

While it is hard to believe this picturesque and rural setting is just a few miles from white-sand beaches and soaring high-rises, the Gordon family proves that country living—in the heart of Naples—is a realistic dream. «

From left: A backyard playhouse invites the Gordon kids to use their imaginations; David Gordon rides with Wells along the wooded trail on their property.

SHOWCASE

REIMAGINING A COASTAL RETREAT

A FAMILY-FRIENDLY MAKEOVER BRINGS ELEGANCE TO A NAPLES RESIDENCE—THANKS TO DESIGNER KATE KILLEEN

BY MARY THURMAN YUHAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLAS FERRIS

An established Naples neighborhood first developed in the 1950s proved the perfect setting for a young couple from the West Coast. Defined by waterfront living, Gulf access, and proximity to the sandy shores of Vanderbilt Beach—as well as

an array of fine restaurants and luxury boutiques—the sought-after enclave offered the ideal backdrop for a residence tailored to the homeowners’ tastes and lifestyle.

This young couple moved to Naples from California during the COVID-19 pandemic and

quickly fell in love with the North Naples neighborhood, making this five-bedroom, two-story carriage home—equipped with a garage and boasting sweeping, unobstructed views—an ideal choice.

At the time, the 6,000-square-foot domi-

cile was drenched in mustard yellow paint and copious dark cabinetry. It was compartmentalized to the max but also flooded with natural light and expansive windows offering breathtaking views.

“My clients wanted a family, but there was only one bedroom on the main floor; there was no way [they] were going to run up and down the stairs to check on the baby, so a restoration was in order,” recalls interior designer Kate Killeen of Kate Killeen Design. “Their approach was to live in the home for about six months before calling in an architect and builder.” Later, the couple welcomed a little boy and created a main-floor nursery by combining a former storage space and laundry room into a bedroom.

Today, a staircase leads family and guests from an outdoor living area to the main floor, where views of the canal and Gulf enhance the residence, seemingly welcoming the water closer. Remnants of the

home’s Mediterranean past include columns, moldings, and baseboards. These work to soften the generous footprint. “Previously the 25-foot-high ceilings made the home look like a museum,” says Killeen. “Adding soft white paint to the walls and woodwork worked wonders, and it was amazing to see how simply scaling up the furniture cozied up the space.”

Original to the home, the great room’s gas fireplace was veiled in a light quartzite stone, and the two flanking built-ins were painted white. Washable pillow covers and Crypton performance fabric on the oversize sectional promote a casual lifestyle that the couple desire. Additionally, the wheels on the large, hollow marble coffee table provide some flexibility and versatility to the cozy and calm space.

“The wife likes a neutral palette, including hues of white, gray, and taupe, but to honor the water, we introduced a range of

From above: The great room’s gas fireplace, original to the home, was re-created in a light quartzite stone; a light-filled dining nook provides sweeping water views.

blues,” says Killeen about the colors selected for the home. Once dark and isolated, the now-cheery two-island kitchen includes a custom 48-inch range hood, a pantry, and paneled appliances. Barrel-back counter stools at the island are finished in taupe leather, while the brass backs and feet coordinate with the range hood.

Guests tend to linger in the formal dining space with a marble-top table surrounded by ivory wingback chairs.

The wife is especially fond of the antique silver sconces flanking the buffet. The husband is the cook in the family, and they like to entertain, particularly during the holidays.

In the powder room, the designer took a bit of a risk. After wrapping the walls in wallpaper showcasing metallic foliage, Killeen highlighted the space with a charming freestanding marble pedestal sink and deep gray paint. Beyond custom luxurious bedding

Clockwise from above: a marble-top dining table flanked by ivory chairs; the kitchen includes a custom 48-inch hood; a freestanding tub sits in the primary bathroom; neutrals with blue accents define the primary suite.

and a seating area, this couple requested a small bar in the primary bedroom suite. “This bedroom is a peaceful place with a moody palette that promotes sleep; I think bedrooms should feel saturated in darker hues,” states Killeen.

In the primary bath, 15-foot-high ceilings, marble slabs, and Champagne-bronze fixtures create the look and feel of a five-star ho-

tel. A fun animal-print stool by the makeup vanity enlivens the luxe space. For privacy, there are shutters behind the freestanding porcelain tub.

One of the biggest challenges was that everything was so separate,” remarks Killeen. “Now it is not only unified but also cohesive. The clients love their home and feel fortunate to live there.” «

Purchased lounge chairs for the pool deck and love them! Kyle was great to work with. The communication was excellent, delivery was on time and the guys did a great job with set up.

– CAPE HARBOUR HOA

ELEMENTS

Modern ROCOCO

REIMAGINE THE PLAYFUL, GILDED ELEGANCE OF THIS HISTORIC STYLE IN YOUR CURRENT DECOR

PERFECTLY IMPERFECT

Pieces from Vietri’s Storia collection, like this oval platter ($350), are inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi and celebrate the beauty of imperfections. Summerfields, Naples (summerfieldsnaples.com)

WALLFLOWER WHIMSY

A romantic scene of flowering vines and birds infuses whimsy into this Daisy Bennett peel-and-stick wallpaper ($55 per roll). Daisy Bennett, Naples (jaimabrown designs.com)

FLOWERY PRAISE

CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT

A tribute to the ancient laurel crowns worn as a symbol of triumph, Bodrum’s gold-finished napkin rings ($90 for set of four) will be a winning addition to your tablescape. Fabec-Young, Naples (fabec young.com)

ON THE FRINGE

CURATED PLAYLIST

Built using solid tulip wood, each Arhaus Sofia Bell’Arte demilune cabinet ($7,600) is handcrafted in Italy and finished with a three-day staining, painting, and lacquer process. Arhaus, Naples (arhaus.com)

The scalloped fringe on the shade of the Odette ceramic table lamp ($450) Williams Sonoma adds extra panache to an already posh accessory. Williams Sonoma, Naples (williams-sonoma.com)

Julia Liegeois of Julia Hall Designs imbued this room in her own home with a collected spirit. “I always want a room to feel curated rather than decorated, mixing traditional silhouettes with bold moments of color and art,” she explains. “The goal here was a space that feels refined yet personal.” Naples (juliahalldesigns.com)

GILT TRIP

HOMEGROWN BEAUTY

Add a delightfully untamed and winsome occupant to your couch with Serena & Lily’s Priano linen pillow ($168). Serena & Lily, Naples (serenaandlily.com)

Crafted from handcarved mahogany with gilt details, the Theodore Alexander Julienne dining chair ($2,499) features velvet upholstery and plenty of curves. Walter E. Smithe, Naples (smithe.com)

DESIGNER DEFERENCE

SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF

RENÉE GADDIS USES HER FASHIONTRAINED EYE, YEARS OF DESIGN EXPERIENCE, AND A PASSION FOR DETAIL TO CREATE DISTINCTIVE SPACES FOR HER CLIENTS

BY DARBY KORDONOWY

Interior designer Renée Gaddis of Renée Gaddis Interiors moved to Southwest Florida with her husband 25 years ago and launched her eponymous firm in 2012. With a bachelor’s degree in apparel merchandising, design, and production from Iowa State University, she wishes she had always worked in interior design. “Even when I was younger, I was always redecorating my room and messing with my mom’s accessories in the house,” recalls Gaddis. When designing, Gaddis often taps her apparel design skill set, which includes editing proportions and tailoring. “A lot of my [fashion-based] classes were on how fabrics would drape, and even though I was draping fabric on human mannequin forms, many of the rules still apply with drapery and what fabrics you can use for upholstery and

layering,” she explains.

To Gaddis, design is first and foremost about customer service. “It’s about finding out [a client’s] style, and it’s my job to exceed expectations and to make them happy,” emphasizes Gaddis. “I want clients to come home to their special place and not have a negative feeling attached to it because of something that fell through the cracks—or feeling as if they made a wrong decision.”

Her daily mantra involves sweating the small stuff. “If you have a super fabulous project with the client happy, and then you don’t do the endcustomer service process—such as checking for a ding on a nightstand or finalizing the rug for a bathroom—clients are going to recall those last two weeks of the project and feel disappointed,” she explains. “As a designer, I believe in a fun, happy experience for clients. If it’s not, they’re going to go into their home and not feel excitement and relaxation. It should be my job to make [design] easier for them—to help them navigate something that can be very overwhelming.”

Gaddis always thinks about the outdoor environment when designing. “For most of my clients, Naples is their second or third home and doubles as a vacation spot, so they appreciate their outside views because they don’t have these year-round,” she says. “I want to complement this instead of fight it.”

TROY CAMPBELL

Clockwise from far left: A sculptural brass chandelier anchors a sleek dining room designed by Renée Gaddis; soft neutrals, jewel tones, and vibrant artwork were selected to create an inviting living space inside a Naples estate; a freestanding stone bathtub helps to realize a spa-like bathroom; a striking chandelier and thoughtfully curated art bring modernity to Gaddis’ historic Fort Myers residence.

JERRYSMITH

Typically, Gaddis works with clients from one to three years, depending on if it’s a home or a condo. One important method she follows is to avoid piecemeal design. “I want to design the whole room at once to ensure everything is fresh in the client’s mind before we move onto the next room,” comments Gaddis, who also points out this approach helps to keep her clients focused.

The designer truly enjoys creating across different aesthetics. “When somebody comes to me with something I am not as familiar with, it’s a learning experience for me,” she says. “It’s exciting to dive into the history of it,” says Gaddis. “I enjoy doing my research on ways other designers, in the past, have mixed colors, artwork, textures, fabrics, etc.”

Gaddis has studied the art of feng shui, a centuries-old Chinese philosophy centered on arranging spaces to balance energy and

promote harmony, health, and prosperity. “It depends on the client, but I try to bring the warmth and balance of nature and wood into all my projects,” she details.

In February, Gaddis hosted a design panel entitled “Beyond the Frame: The Evolution of the Gallery Wall,” held at The Palm Beach Show in West Palm Beach. “During the panel, we discussed how there are many more craft artists these days, including in the artistic fields of ceramic pottery and macramé,” notes Gaddis. “I think textural art

crafts are underrated. These artists are coming out of the woodwork and are currently my favorite right now. I love wall hangings made with natural materials, as well as pottery that hangs on the wall, creating shadow effects because of the way light hits it. I am obsessed with the online platform Artemest, which features beautiful work by artists and artisans from all over the world. Through this site, you can order everything from lighting and pottery to metal candlesticks. The sky’s the limit.”

Gaddis’ interiors start with an overall vision but come to life through details. By carefully considering and blending necessary design elements, from fabrics to textures to colors, she deeply ensures each space she designs feels fully polished, personalized, and ready to be enjoyed. (reneegaddis.com) «

Right: Gaddis maximized expansive Gulf views to establish a serene living space, where soft blues and neutrals come together to create a calm aesthetic.

JOURNEYS

YOUR PASSPORT TO THE MOST FASCINATING CORNERS OF THE GLOBE

INTO THE IMPENETRABLE

GORILLA FOREST LODGE PLACES TRAVELERS DEEP INSIDE UGANDA’S BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, HOME TO HALF THE WORLD’S MOUNTAIN GORILLAS PLUS ONE OF AFRICA’S MOST AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

BY PAUL RUBIO

At dawn, Bwindi erupts with life. Black colobus monkeys roar from the treetops. The ring-eyed Kivu ground thrush whistles in the understory. Dainty duikers rustle through the foliage as mist lifts through the rainforest canopy. Shafts of sunlight break across emerald hills that fold endlessly into one another, Technicolor birds flashing through the morning rays. The jungle feels untamed and immeasurably alive— an ever-changing algorithm of sound, movement, and color. From your private terrace at Gorilla Forest Lodge, this marvel unfolds in every direction. And there’s also extraordinary anticipation: somewhere beyond the tree line, mountain gorillas are on the move, and face time with them feels imminent.

In today’s sophisticated safari world, where game drives follow carefully plotted routes and luxury camps can feel overly perfected, Uganda delivers something scarcer: authenticity and raw adventure. No place embodies that spirit more than Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southwestern Uganda that protects half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. Here, dense rainforest blankets the hillsides, creating one of the most biologically rich ecosystems in Africa. While gorillas get top billing, Bwindi is far from a one-species destination. Packs of L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed and black-and-white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and baboons move through the canopy. The

JOURNEYS

birdlife is exceptional, with 350 species recorded, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics such as the African green broadbill and the mysterious African pitta.

What distinguishes Uganda even further is how visitors meet this wildlife. Much of the exploration happens on foot, placing travelers directly inside the jungle. The experience begins at Gorilla Forest Lodge, an Abercrombie & Kent Sanctuary property that reopened in June 2025 after a multiyear rebuild and redesign. Set on a mountainside in Bwindi’s Buhoma sector, the lodge is the only property within the park boundaries and truly in the heart of the action. Even the park headquarters, where daily gorilla-tracking excursions leave each morning, is a short walk away.

The freshly minted property stands on the grounds of the original Gorilla Forest Lodge, which opened in 1985. But today’s version is entirely reimagined. The architecture embraces an explorer-style aesthetic, designed to sit within the rainforest environment while reflecting the surrounding community. Papyrus-thatched roofs crown the rufous buildings, while cascading bead installations modeled after rainforest vines decorate the spaces. Those beads are handmade by a nearby women’s microenterprise, one of many reminders that the lodge is intricately connected to the local residents.

Ten spacious villas, each named for a native bird, serve as private sanctuaries rising through the treetops. Floor-to-ceiling windows and screened openings invite the outdoors inside while keeping curious baboons

at bay. Flowing curtains and wood trim nod to classic safari design, but the overall feeling encourages guests to slow down and take it all in. Each villa includes an expansive deck, where afternoons easily disappear in birdsong, views, and animal sightings.

The redesign was overseen by Luxury Frontiers, the firm behind many of Africa’s most admired safari camps. Yet what makes Gorilla Forest Lodge distinctive is how thoroughly Ugandan craftsmanship defines the interiors. Sisal baskets serve as lampshades, bananafiber stools come from village workshops, and bamboo lattice walls sit alongside brickwork produced by regional brickmakers—a

thriving industry thanks to the area’s clay-rich soil. Florence Nakachwa’s Mekeka Designs produces the woven ceilings using papyrus and banana fiber. Behind the beds, banana fiber wallpaper forms textured panels, while furnishings are constructed from Ugandan woods like Elgon teak. Even the bark cloth cushions tell a story, with QR codes linking guests to the artisans who created them.

The lodge’s main area includes a mudroom along with a library, restaurant, bar, small shop featuring local crafts, and firepit terrace. The bar is always open for another pour of international bubbles or local beer, and the kitchen showcases national delights such as

The understated villas at Gorilla Forest Lodge channel safari chic and local flavor while melding with the surrounding environs. It’s an idyllic home base for gorilla explorations, with the headquarters of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park down the road.

the Ugandan Rolex (a vegetable omelet rolled in chapati) and matooke (mashed plantains cooked in banana leaves). An on-site wellness center specializes in post-hike massages that feel particularly deserved after hours navigating Bwindi’s steep terrain.

While one of Africa’s most design-forward lodges and the allure of rainforest immersion entice travelers, most come here for a single reason: gorilla encounters. Ranger-led groups depart daily to locate eight habituated gorilla families, each unique in size and social structure.

My first trek targeted the Binyindo family (“big nose” in the local Batwa language), famed for having two silverbacks within this clan of 10. Reaching them required a five-hour hike through thick undergrowth, slippery slopes, and thorny vegetation that rangers frequently cleared with machetes. But the reward was extraordinary. We entered the troop’s world quietly, watching as gorillas drank from streams, climbed trees in search of food, groomed one another, and moved together through the jungle. A second journey the following day proved shorter and easier but no less memorable. A newborn had recently arrived in the Rushegura family. Much of their attention revolved around the infant while the dominant silverback monitored the situation—still making time to mate with one of the females during his patrols.

Yet, a trip to Bwindi offers far more than gorilla trekking alone. This wilderness begs to be explored, from bird walks to hikes to Munyaga Waterfall. Equally compelling are the community initiatives supported by Abercrombie

& Kent Philanthropy. The Bwindi Community Tour, for instance, opens a window into how conservation and community development intertwine here. At the Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise, a repair shop and rental cooperative run entirely by women, laughter spills into the street as mechanics tinker with bikes and travelers test-drive them down the hill. Nearby, artisans at the Meraki Beads project transform recycled paper and glass into intricate jewelry and chandeliers destined for homes around the world. What stands out most is the sense of ownership. These initiatives are not simply supported by the community; they are driven by it.

A trip to Bwindi Community Hospital and Nursing School reveals perhaps the most transformative effort of all. In addition to supporting expectant mothers, the facility has

At Gorilla Forest Lodge, look forward to a small but well-curated gift shop, gourmet cuisine with Ugandan flair, a wellness center for post-hike treatments, visits to a bead microenterprise, and hikes to rushing waterfalls.

trained countless nurses and expanded into a university producing doctors. Education initiatives are equally ambitious. Schools have been built roughly every five kilometers, so children no longer face long walks to class, and students now receive meals and clean drinking water. Families contribute firewood and crops to support the programs, flipping the script on unsuccessful top-down projects of the past.

Guests can also spend time with the Batwa people, the original inhabitants and longtime guardians of the Great Lakes region. Encoun-

ters like these reveal a deeper truth about Bwindi: the future of the rainforest and the communities surrounding it are inseparable.

For many travelers, comparisons inevitably turn to Rwanda, the other major destination for mountain gorilla trekking. While Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is just a three-hour drive from its capital, Kigali, reaching Bwindi requires a short commercial flight on light aircraft from Entebbe to Kihihi. Beyond that extra step, Uganda presents remarkable value. Gorilla permits cost $800, compared with

$1,500 in Rwanda, allowing travelers to complete two hikes for roughly the price of one across the border. Lodging follows a similar pattern. While Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park features ultra-luxury lodges from brands like Singita, One&Only, and Wilderness, often starting at around $2,500 per person per night, Gorilla Forest Lodge begins at around $800 per person sharing in low season. Having now trekked with gorillas 11 times—including eight instances in Rwanda—I’d argue Uganda may be the more rewarding of the two, thanks to its road-less-traveled allure, more pristine terrain, and greater cultural interaction.

To experience Bwindi properly, plan to stay at least five nights. In fact, consider making this the headline act rather than an add-on to a traditional East or South African Big Five safari. Two gorilla treks are essential, three is wise. (You never know when weather may complicate a hike, and no two encounters are the same.) Set aside a day to enjoy the lodge and its wilds, then devote the remaining time to exploring trails or nearby communities.

If Uganda’s other natural treasures pique your interest, venture farther afield. Visit Entebbe for excursions to Mabamba Swamp to see one of the world’s last prehistoric-looking shoebill storks, or head north for chimpanzee spotting. Because, while the gorillas and Abercrombie & Kent’s striking rainforest lodge may draw travelers to Uganda, they are only part of the story. Bwindi is a place where wildlife, people, and rainforest exist in delicate balance, and spending time here—and throughout Uganda as a whole—offers a rare reminder that travel can still feel genuine and utterly inspiring. (abercrombiekent.com) «

Gorilla Forest Lodge lies within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, so activities range from fireside chats to sightings of L’Hoest’s monkeys around camp and gorillas deeper in the park.

WILLEM

FLORIDIANA

RESORT RHYTHM

COSTA D’ESTE IN VERO BEACH IS A SUMPTUOUS SPOT TO TURN YOUR BEAT AROUND AND UNWIND

BY KELLY ROGERS

In a quiet little gem of a city, tucked behind the sea grapes and sand dunes along the Atlantic Ocean, a small, exclusive hotel sits in the heart of Vero Beach: Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa. But if you’re familiar with its owners, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, then you know there’s nothing small or quiet about this boutique experience.

Locals prone to nostalgia remember this Ocean Drive locale as the old Palm Court Hotel, built in 1972 and the site of Duke Snider’s Restaurant & Bar while the Los Angeles Dodgers made their spring training home in Vero Beach. The Estefans transformed the property after the 2004 hurricane season, which brought near-direct hits from hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. Appreciating Vero’s focus on environmental protection, especially as it pertains to its beaches and sea turtles, they aspired to share the town’s beauty and “specialness” with other Florida residents.

Costa d’Este opened in 2008, sporting a Miami Modern style. Today, the Estefans’ Cuban heritage permeates the property. Guests are greeted in the lobby by an atmosphere filled with fragrant incense, vibrant art, and mouthwatering aromas wafting from The Wave Kitchen & Bar.

The resort’s 90 rooms, three suites, and exclusive penthouse are bright and contemporary. Fun amenities include the oceanfront pool with concierge poolside service, as well as beachside cabanas, paddleboard and kayak rentals, and live music. The resort’s C Spa offers a full range of treatments, including everything

needed for soothing an aching body after a trip to the on-site gym.

Come the weekend, Saturday morning beach yoga is a tranquil way to start your day while watching a breathtaking sunrise. As you head back across the dunes, consider taking a short walk south on Ocean Drive to the popular Vero Beach Farmers Market and the quaint, highend shops nearby.

You’ll work up an appetite browsing, and there’s plenty back at Costa d’Este to keep you sated. The resort’s outdoor Cabana Bar offers specialty cocktails and local brews on tap to accompany the awardwinning Cuban Burger. If you prefer a more elevated experience, the chef inside at The Wave will be happy to prepare his Cuban classic Paella à la Costa for you.

Sunday brunch is a lovely experience too, with a view of the pool and the endless blue sky—and a Vero Beach Club Sandwich just waiting for your attention. (costadeste.com) «

The Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa exudes a Miami Modern style, from its moody lobby (below) to its sleek guest rooms (bottom left). Sample excellent paella (bottom right) at The Wave restaurant inside the resort.

HIGH ROAD

HOME ON THE RANGE

MORE THAN 50 YEARS ON, LAND ROVER’S TOUR DE FORCE RANGE ROVER STILL SETS THE BENCHMARK IN SUV LUXURY

BY HOWARD WALKER

Ever since its official debut in 1970, the Range Rover has been a car of glamorous contradictions: an elegant SUV with exceptional off-road capabilities. It’s a super model who would dominate on Survivor, a tux-clad leading man with the grit of Bear Grylls, an heiress who knows her way around the campgrounds. You get the idea.

So does the newest Range Rover clear the bar set by its predecessors? I grabbed the keys to a 2026 Range Rover P400 SE LWB to find out.

With its MSRP of $122,850, the P400 SE isn’t the most resplendent Rover you can buy. That honor goes to the latest 606-hp Range Rover SV Black flagship at a crowning $263,050. But I’ve found that every Range Rover I’ve ever driven—I piloted my first way back in 1982—delivers the same kind of style, sense of occasion, and promise of being transported along the road less traveled in peerless comfort. This latest rendition only heightens that feeling.

Just take in that timeless, aristocratic design. This fifth-generation Rover defines modern luxury, with its uncluttered lines, refined face, proud stance, and divine boattail rear. And the detailing is still exceptional, from those trademark vertical side vents to the flush door handles, towering waistline, and eye-popping rear light design. My heart goes pitter-patter every time I see one on the road.

Yes, it’s a practical, family-friendly SUV capable of taking you across the Continental Divide—as it famously did in 1989 and again in 2014. But it’s so much more than that. While buyers might cross-shop SUV rivals like BMW’s X7, Mercedes’ GLS, and Cadillac’s Escalade, I find Range Rover to be the more super-luxe sedan al -

ternative. I’d take it over a BMW 7 Series, Mercedes S-Class, or even a Bentley Flying Spur any day.

Like the Bentley, it wafts serenely along the road, paved or unpaved. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the upcoming Range Rover Electric, with its 300-mileplus range. But the current lineup of gas-

powered models still provides exceptional near-silent running.

The “starter Rover” P400 might just be the best. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline 6-cylinder with mild hybrid assist is still one of the world’s great engines. It packs a 395-horsepower punch that can whisk this hefty 5,600-pound 4x4 to 60 mph in 6 seconds. It feels equally agile and athletic through the curves. Adaptive air suspension with four-wheel steering makes it a delight to hustle through turns, while timearresting brakes haul it to a stop.

As always, the high-up driving position is only matched by that of a Greyhound bus. The view forward across that vast clamshell hood is nothing short of panoramic, with a dash that’s low and a roof a mile high.

The three-row long-wheelbase version has stretch-out seating for seven, eight at a push. And as with all Ranges, the interior

POWER FILE

PRICE: FROM $122,850 (SE LWB) ENGINE: 3.0-LITER SUPERCHARGED/TURBOCHARGED INLINE 6-CYLINDER POWER: 395 HP TORQUE: 406 LB-FT TRANSMISSION: 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC

0-60: 6.0 SECONDS TOP SPEED: 150 MPH LENGTH/WIDTH: 207/87 INCHES (LWB) WEIGHT: 5,600 POUNDS WHY WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE ITS STYLE, PERFORMANCE, REFINEMENT, AND LUXURY STILL MAKE IT THE SUV TO BEAT.

is gorgeous. Expect glove-soft perforated leather, quality materials, and artisanal craftsmanship. And this is just the base model; step up to an Autobiography or SV to enter the Bentley world of diamond quilting, exotic veneers, and hot-stone

massaging seats.

If all this sounds like a gushing ode to a half-century-old icon, you’re not wrong. For me, piloting one is always an occasion—a reminder that you’re driving what Land Rover rightly brands “the best 4x4 by far.” «

HIGH SEAS

MAINE COURSE

SABRE YACHTS UPDATES ITS CLASSIC 38 SALON EXPRESS TO HELP IT GLIDE INTO SHALLOWER WATERS

BY HOWARD WALKER

“Nothing cuts like a Sabre.” It’s a cool marketing line, to be sure, but also a great way of describing how Sabre Yachts’ classic 38 Salon Express can slice oh-so-elegantly through foamy whitecaps and spirited rollers.

Not so long ago, I gazed in awe at one of these blue-hulled beauties exiting the infamous Haulover Inlet “washing machine” just north of Miami, where outgoing tides collide with incoming wind-driven swells. The salty Sabre punched through the chaos like it was a nonevent. I think I even applauded when it reached open water.

The 38 Salon Express is a standout in so many ways. Launched in 2013, it represents the first rung on the Sabre five-model ladder that includes the 43, 45, 51, and flagship 58. All are built at Sabre’s sawdust and resin yard in Raymond, Maine—all to the same exacting standards of boat-building artistry, dedication, and quality.

The 38 has evolved nicely over the past 13 years. The latest evolution, and most relevant to us Florida boaters, is its propulsion setup. New for 2026 is a switch from low-hanging twin Volvo IPS pod drives to Volvo Penta DPIs with trimmable, old-school Aquamatic sterndrives just like the ones used on those lovely Venice water taxis.

The key here is draft. Trim up the drives and you can shimmy more confidently into shallow bays, across gin-clear Bahamian reefs, or get up close and personal with your favorite sandbar. For Intracoastal cruisers, it means greater peace of mind when the channel gets silty.

Even with the drives down, draft is just 3 feet, 4 inches.

As before, the motors of choice are Volvo D4 3.7-liter 4-cylinder common-rail diesels. Each is good for 320 horsepower, and each sips fuel like Nick Nolte on a juice cleanse. And with this new setup you get twin counter-rotating DuoProp propellers and a joystick for more precise low-speed control. Performance-wise, the 38 cruises serenely at around 25 knots and tops out at just over 30.

Another bonus of the switch to sterndrives is a roomier engine bay.

Mounting the compact Volvos closer to the transom results in more space for the Seakeeper gyro, generator, and water toys. As before, the 38 comes with that Texas-size power-lifting hatch in the cockpit for easier engine access.

POWER FILE

PRICE: FROM $1.2 MILLION

LENGTH: 41 FEET, 9 INCHES

BEAM: 13 FEET, 4 INCHES

DRAFT: 3 FEET, 4 INCHES

POWER: 2 X 320-HP VOLVO

The rest is pretty much unchanged, which is all part of the Salon Express’ appeal and longevity. You still get that smooth-riding hull, towering windshield and side glass, and mile-long hardtop with a power-extendable canvas sunshade. And there’s no shortage of exquisite detailing either, with lots of polished stainless steel for the handrails, engine vents, and portholes, plus exceptional glass-fiber molding.

D4 4-CYLINDER DIESELS

TOP SPEED: 30 KNOTS

CRUISING SPEED: 25 KNOTS WHY WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE NEW DRAFT-REDUCING

STERNDRIVES ONLY HEIGHTEN ITS ENDURING APPEAL.

and feels airy and bright. It helps that the kid-friendly sleeping and lounging area beneath the salon floor is open to the galley.

A big plus on this 38-footer is the size of the head, which has a separate shower, lots of elbow room, and plenty of storage. It’s a Jackand-Jill arrangement, with doors into the galley and forward owner’s cabin. The primary cabin is another well-designed space, with lots of headroom over the queen bed.

No, the 38 hasn’t embraced the Euro trend of drop-down side balconies or Tiara-style spinning cockpit sofas. It sticks with the cockpitspace-enhancing three-person rear bench that, at the touch of a button, slides backward 14 inches over the swim platform.

The salon is gorgeous, with a helm station with an adjustable Stidd seat, a two-person co-pilot pew, and a roomy dinette. And while I’m not usually a fan of “down” galleys, the Sabre’s looks up into the salon

Everywhere you look, the quality of the joinery, the choice of surfaces and upholstery, the fit and finish is just outstanding. The mirrorpolished salon table is truly a thing of beauty.

This is a “real” boat that will make your heart soar every time you walk toward it at the dock—and beat even faster when you open up those throttles. Those new sterndrives should, however, make your pulse ease when you spy shallower water ahead. «

Kristen

CEO & Producing Artistic Director

31 CHOREOGRAPHED

Coury,

FOUR LOCAL CHEFS REVEAL THE ONE THING THAT MAKES THEIR SIGNATURE DISHES SHINE. REMARKABLY, EACH INGREDIENT WINS FOR BEST SUPPORTING ROLE.

The Secret Ingredient

BY KAREN FELDMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK SHIRGHIO

Some secrets aren’t meant to be shared. But asking chefs what ingredients they favor most seems both within the bounds of good taste and enlightening for home cooks who wonder why their efforts don’t quite yield the complexity of dishes they enjoy at their favorite restaurants. Naples Illustrated asked four Naples culinary luminaries which ingredients they love most and why. Their selections have one common element—each is something that does not take center stage yet plays a critical role in creating dishes and sauces that thrill diners.

KAYLA PFEIFFER

Chef/partner, Bicyclette Cookshop, Heyday Cookshop, and Thank You Kindly Cookshop

Garlic confit is Kayla Pfeiffer’s top pick. It is made by submerging peeled garlic cloves in fat (often olive oil), then slowly cooking until the cloves are soft, golden brown, and can be spread like butter.

Fresh off her impressive performance on Guy Fieri’s Food Network show Flavortown Food Fight, the wunderkind is back in Naples. She divides her attention between her thriving bistro, Bicyclette Cookshop, and her exciting new venture, Heyday Cookshop, a communal space that features chefs in residence for three or four weeks each. Other highlights include natural wines and vermouth programs and a hi-fi listening room. At Bicyclette, which is also home to her grab-and-go sandwich shop, Thank You Kindly Cookshop, the kitchen makes batch after batch of buttery, aromatic garlic confit to ensure a steady supply of Pfeiffer’s favorite ingredient.“It’s super multipurpose,” she says. “Softening it mellows out the

harshness and brings more sweetness to it. It’s almost like a natural butter. I always have at least 5 pounds of it. We make it daily; most of our recipes contain it.” Popular favorites include branzino bathed in a butter sauce containing the garlic confit. The confit also works with many other dishes Pfeiffer reimagines.

Culinary Institute of America degree holders are known for mastery of sauces. Pfeiffer, a 2016 graduate, is no exception. She trained under two-time James Beard Award–winner Andrew Carmellini and five-time nominee Terrance Brennan, both Michelin-star recipients as well. In Naples, she has helmed the kitchens of The French Brasserie Rustique (now Tulia Italian Steak) and Bar Tulia; she also played a key role in creating the initial menu for PJK Neighborhood Chinese. Those experiences have contributed to the cuisine she now oversees. No matter how many innovative restaurants she launches, it’s likely there will always be garlic confit. Pfeiffer says, “If in my next life I could open up a candle shop, this is the scent I’d use.” (bicyclettecookshop. com, heydaycookshop.com, thankyou kindlycookshop.com)

Kayla Pfeiffer, chef/partner at Bicyclette Cookshop, Heyday Cookshop, and Thank You Kindly Cookshop, often includes garlic confit in her culinary creations, including in the roasted branzino (inset), a popular dish served at Bicyclette Cookshop. Pfeiffer relays that the restaurant makes the confit (above) daily and compares it to a “natural butter.”

TODD JOHNSON

Chef/owner, Nosh on Naples Bay

Tanshoku miso, a golden-hued Japanese soybean paste with a balanced flavor midway between mild white and more intense red miso, is Todd Johnson’s go-to. His restaurant was an immediate hit when it opened at Naples Bay Resort & Marina in January 2022. Johnson’s modern global cuisine consists of imaginative small plates meant for sharing plus a few larger options, each painstakingly created and plated. While he has a few favorite ingredients, when he factors in Nosh customers’ top picks, the tanshoku paste is found in both his top-selling appetizer (miso caramel pork belly steam buns with kimchi, cucumber, and miso caramel) and

Tanshoku miso is chef Todd Johnson’s frequently used ingredient. Johnson, chef/owner of Nosh on Naples Bay, says it contributes savoriness and viscosity while adding depth and complexity.

Nosh’s top-selling appetizer—miso caramel pork belly steam buns with kimchi, cucumber, and miso caramel (opposite page)—includes the miso (below), as do other dishes, such as the standout miso sake bronzed sablefish with miso beurre blanc.

his number one entrée (miso sake bronzed sablefish with miso beurre blanc).

“I love miso because it adds umami and some viscosity,” Johnson says. “I use it in vinaigrette to give it thickness. It doesn’t run off; the dressing emulsifies very well. In the old days, we had to use raw egg yolk. Now we throw a little miso in, and not only does it emulsify nicely, it coats your tongue and adds that umami,” adding subtle depth and complexity to food.

The pork belly—which requires three days to cure, cook, press, and allow the miso-caramel sauce to permeate the meat sufficiently—also appears as a topping on deviled eggs and in the wedge salad.

As a graduate of Naples High School and Johnson & Wales University, Johnson recalls the

first time he tasted the signature miso-marinated black cod (also known as sablefish) many years ago at Nobu. “I said, ‘Wow! What is this?’” The creator, famed chef Nobu Matsuhisa, eventually revealed that miso was the crucial ingredient. Nosh customers react much the same way to Johnson’s miso sake bronzed sablefish. While miso plays a big part in the bao buns’ appeal, he adds another flavor boost via the Korean staple kimchi, a salty, spicy mélange of vegetables. Johnson has been making his own miso since he and his partners opened Bistro 41 in Fort Myers and Rumrunners in Cape Coral. He and his team still make it now, allowing it to ferment so that it develops the desired texture and taste. “Three weeks is the magic number,” he says. (noshonnaplesbay.com)

Chef Brooke Kravetz applies the depth and sweetness of caramelized onions to many dishes, such as the crispy chicken Milanese (inset) at Old Vines Naples at Mercato and a cheese-stuffed chicken leg with cauliflower and French onion broth at The Supper Club (opposite page).

BROOKE KRAVETZ

Managing partner, Old Vines Naples at Mercato and The Supper Club

For Brooke Kravetz, nothing beats mouthwatering caramelized onions. At both the buzzy Old Vines Naples at Mercato and The Supper Club, an intimate spot in the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt, patrons are likely to encounter the mellowed alliums because Kravetz, an inspired chef herself, is quite fond of them.“It’s the combination of the sweet and the savory,” she says. “[Onion is] such a savory ingredient raw, and it totally

transforms through the cooking process. After one or two hours, you take something potent and savory and make it into something now sweet, caramelized, and it has those savory components without the bite.”

The process requires low, slow cooking and a watchful eye to prevent burning but is relatively simple. “We start cooking the onions in a little olive oil to let the natural sugars come out, and add a little salt,” Kravetz says, who attended the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts and earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. “It will be a base in a lot of other sauces and purées.”

At The Supper Club, caramelized onions lend sweetness and texture to a cheesestuffed chicken leg with a French onion broth and caramelized cauliflower. At Old Vines Naples at Mercato, the crispy chicken Milanese comes with caramelized-onion cream broth, Gruyère, peas, and spring onions. With seasonal menus recently launched at both locations, customers will likely find the sweet and savory ingredient in other dishes as well.

A special Mother’s Day brunch is planned at Mercato that will resemble the regular Saturday and Sunday brunch but with elevated specials. Starting in June and running through August, Old Vines offers a 30 percent discount on its whole menu from 4 to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday. “It’s our way to give back to the local community in appreciation for supporting us in the summer,” Kravetz says. (oldvines.net)

Chef Gaspard Toulouppe enjoys working with the many parts of fennel, including its flower, stalk, and bulb. In addition to pairing well with meat and fish, fennel offers a flavor appropriate for a dessert. Toulouppe created an elegant fennel and lime sorbet with fennel confit, toasted fennel-seed crumble, and airy anise meringue with fennel fronds powder (opposite page).

GASPARD TOULOUPPE

Chef, Bleu Provence

Fennel—a versatile relative of the carrot—wins Gaspard Toulouppe’s heart. “I love it,” he says. “It’s perfect—there’s the flower, the stalk, and the bulb. It has a licorice flavor and feathery foliage. I work with it so much.” The seeds of some varieties are used as seasonings, too.

Toulouppe, who is from Marseille, France, was dutifully raised in the kitchen of his family’s restaurant and began his formal training at 16. He now occupies the position previously held by Lysielle Cariot. She and her husband, Jacques Cariot, created and ran Bleu Provence beginning in 1999, making it a nationally noteworthy restaurant before retiring in 2024. Now their sons Clément and Kevin manage the legendary restaurant known for both its stellar French food with a Florida flair and award-winning, 40,000-plus bottle wine cellar.

Toulouppe, who served as chef de partie at the Michelinstarred Le Jardin de Berne in Provence, France, worked with Lysielle for several years and now carries on the Cariots’ traditions. He sees his role as both a steward responsible for carrying on excellence, as well as a collaborator continuing to guide the restaurant into the future. The chef also oversees the family’s 10-acre Sanctuary Organic Farm, where they grow passion fruit, ginger, sweet potatoes, carrots, peppers, eggs, and more. The restaurant’s acclaimed ratatouille is made from whatever vegetables grown at the farm manage to withstand the area’s sometimes tempestuous weather.

Toulouppe is considering planting some fennel for the many ways in which he can envision using it. “It’s a vegetable, but you can treat it like a fruit,” he says. “You can make a confit, or maybe with sugar, or on ice cream. You can eat it raw or cooked. It goes with fish and meat, too. I love that there are so many things you can do with it.” Toulouppe has even created an imaginative dessert: a fennel and lime sorbet with fennel confit, toasted fennel-seeds crumble, and airy anise meringue topped with fennel fronds powder. (bleuprovencenaples.com) «

DNK THE Rainbow

Nourish your body— one vibrant sip at a time—wi ese colorful elixirs at o a nuanced expression of hl

RECIPES AND STYLING BY JULES ARON PHOTOGRAPHY BY GYORGY PAPP

TOMATO TEMPEST

Finished with a savory flair, the Tomato Tempest marries the freshness of pressed tomato water with the elegance of dry vermouth and sherry.

INGREDIENTS

2 oz. fresh-pressed tomato water

1 1/2 oz. dry vermouth, preferably Lustau Vermut

1 1/2 oz. dry sherry, preferably Lustau East India Solera Sherry

2 dashes black pepper bitters

1 drop dill oil

Salami, dill sprig, and an olive to garnish

« Add the tomato water, dry vermouth, dry sherry, and black pepper bitters to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora or martini glass. Add the dill oil. Garnish with a piece of salami, a sprig of dill, and an olive.

V COLOR BENEFIT: THIS RED LIBATION IS RICH IN LYCOPENE, OFFERING POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION FOR THE SKIN AND HEART.

JUNGLE JACK (RABBIT)

A tiki escape with sun-kissed orange hues, warm spices, and tropical rum, this adventurous sip is reminiscent of a luscious dessert.

INGREDIENTS

1 oz. aged rum, preferably Planteray

O.F.T.D. Overproof Rum

2 oz. fresh-pressed carrot juice

1 oz. pineapple juice

1/2 oz. lemon juice

1 oz. pecan orgeat (recipe at right)

3 dashes tiki bitters, preferably El Guapo Polynesian Kiss Bitters

Cream cheese foam (recipe at right)

Nutmeg to garnish

« Add all ingredients except cream cheese foam and nutmeg to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake. Double strain into your glass of choice. Top with cream cheese foam and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Cream Cheese Foam Ingredients

150 g cream cheese (room temperature)

100 ml milk

40 g confectioners’ sugar

200 ml cold cream

« Combine the cream cheese, milk, and confectioners’ sugar in a bowl and whisk until the mixture is soft and the cream cheese is fully incorporated. Beat the cold cream into the cream cheese mixture until it is fully incorporated and the mixture stiffens into a pourable foam.

Pecan Orgeat Ingredients

1 cup pecans

500 ml water (plus more for soaking pecans)

60 g coconut sugar

1/8 tsp. vanilla extract

1 pinch salt

« Soak pecans in water inside a covered jar in the fridge overnight. Drain and then combine the soaked pecans with 500 ml water in a blender. Blend for 60 seconds. Let the mixture sit for 2 hours, then strain out the solids through a cheesecloth. The yield is your nut milk. Combine the nut milk with the coconut sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir and warm until sugar is completely dissolved. Do not let it boil. Allow the mixture to cool before pouring it into a clean container and refrigerating.

V COLOR BENEFIT: THE ORANGE SIGNIFIES BETA-CAROTENE, WHICH THE BODY CONVERTS INTO VITAMIN A—CRUCIAL FOR MAINTAINING HEALTHY VISION, SUPPORTING IMMUNE FUNCTION, AND PROMOTING RADIANT SKIN.

OO E MONE

With its luminous mix of Meyer lemon, honey, ginger, coconut water, and olive oil, this revitalizing tonic will awaken the senses and restore inner glow.

INGREDIENTS

1 oz. whole Meyer lemon, thoroughly washed and sliced

1/2 oz. honey

1 1/4-inch knob fresh ginger

1/2 oz. extra-virgin olive oil

2 oz. coconut water

Lemon meringue and lemon zest to garnish (optional, meringue recipe below)

« Add the Meyer lemon, honey, ginger, olive oil, and coconut water to a blender and emulsify. Pour into a glass. Gently spoon a generous dollop of the meringue onto the surface of the cocktail. Top with lemon zest. To turn this elixir into a bright and velvety cocktail, add 1 1/2 oz. of gin, preferably Fords Gin.

Lemon Meringue Ingredients

1 large egg white (room temperature)

A drop of lemon juice to help stabilize the egg white

2 tbsp. granulated sugar

« In a bowl, beat the egg white and lemon juice until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, one tbsp. at a time, while continuing to beat. Continue whisking until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks and the sugar is fully dissolved.

V COLOR BENEFIT: THE SOFT YELLOW REFLECTS THE HIGH VITAMIN C CONTENT OF CITRUS FRUITS, ESSENTIAL FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT, COLLAGEN SYNTHESIS, AND SKIN ELASTICITY. THE OLIVE OIL INTRODUCES HEALTHY MONOUNSATURATED FATS THAT PROMOTE HEART HEALTH AND REDUCE INFLAMMATION.

V COLOR BENEFIT: THE BLUEBERRIES AND FIGS ARE RICH IN ANTHOCYANINS, ANTIOXIDANTS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPROVED COGNITIVE FUNCTION, REDUCED INFLAMMATION, AND VASCULAR HEALTH.

HARVEST SMASH

This smoky, fruity symphony of toasted figs, bursting blueberries, and fresh basil is ideal for celebrating the bounty of late summer.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup fresh blueberries

2 fresh figs, chopped Fresh basil leaves to preference, plus more to garnish

1/2 oz. lemon juice

1/2 oz. honey syrup

(1:1 ratio of honey to water)

1 1/2 oz. bourbon, preferably Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon

« Muddle the blueberries, figs, basil, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add the bourbon and ice, then stir or shake gently. Pour into a glass and garnish with basil.

YUZU ON MY MIND

This cool cocktail delicately balances tropical notes and citrus brightness—perfect for a moment of serene sophistication.

INGREDIENTS

2 oz. coconut rum, preferably Coconut Cartel

1 oz. matcha tea (chilled)

2 oz. coconut water

1/2 oz. lemongrass syrup (recipe below)

1/2 oz. yuzu juice

Toasted coconut chips to garnish

« Add the coconut rum, matcha tea, coconut water, lemongrass syrup, and yuzu juice to a shaker with ice. Shake gently and strain into a glass. Garnish and serve with toasted coconut chips.

Lemongrass Syrup

Ingredients

1 cup water

1/2 cup coconut sugar

2 stalks fresh lemongrass, bruised and chopped

« Combine water and coconut sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the coconut sugar dissolves. Add the bruised and chopped lemongrass stalks. Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to infuse. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain and refrigerate the syrup in a clean jar.

V COLOR BENEFIT: YUZU BOASTS VITAMIN C AND ANTIOXIDANTS TO SUPPORT IMMUNITY AND SKIN VITALITY, WHILE MATCHA’S CATECHINS AND CALMING L-THEANINE PROMOTE GENTLE ENERGY, FOCUS, AND OVERALL CELLULAR HEALTH.

CLEAR SKIES

EMBRACE THE RISING TEMPS IN SPECTACULAR FASHION

Tory Burch dress, slingbacks

Opposite page: Chanel dress, mules

For buying information, turn to page 127.

Fashion editor: Zlata Kotmina

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALBERTO GONZALEZ

Shot by Naples Illustrated on location at Nautilus 220, luxe waterfront residences in Lake Park

Chanel blouse, pants; Jimmy Choo flats.

Opposite page: Louis Vuitton bomber jacket

For buying information, turn to page 127.

For buying information, turn to page 127.

Ferragamo dress, mini clutch; Jade Swim top, bottoms.

Opposite page: La DoubleJ dress, earrings; Jimmy Choo flats.

For

Prada jacket, shirt, skirt, shoes, bag

Opposite page: Chanel top, trunks, bag; Dior sunglasses.

buying information, turn to page 127.

page:

For buying information, turn to page 127.

Johanna Ortiz bathing suit; La DoubleJ scarf; Chanel earrings, necklace; Jimmy Choo bag.

Opposite

Jade Swim bathing suit

Model: Elizabeth Lake, Ford Models Hair and makeup artist: Gina Simone, using Artistboxxx, artistboxxx.com

Photography assistant: Nico Pancorvo Special thanks to Nautilus 220, nautilus220.com

EAT+DRINK

BOLD FLAVORS, COOL COCKTAILS, AND LOCAL FAVORITES

ITALIAN REVIVAL

Bice Naples, located on Fifth Avenue South, has reopened its doors following a comprehensive renovation. Since its launch in 2005, Bice has been part of the city’s dining scene, offering refined Italian cuisine, whitetablecloth service, and warm hospitality. Rooted in the legacy of the original Milan trattoria opened by Beatrice “Bice” Ruggeri in 1926, the Naples location now blends

classic charm with modern elegance. The refreshed 5,566-square-foot space showcases a light, coastal-Italian aesthetic that bridges Old World sophistication with relaxed, contemporary luxury. Hand-painted scenic panels, a sculptural white bar, navy velvet upholstery, and floating textile ceilings evoke the deep blues, whites, and other coastal hues of the Mediterranean. Private dining rooms are available, offering spaces for celebrations and business gatherings, while outdoor dining areas create an ideal spot for eating alfresco.

The culinary program honors Bice’s Italian heritage, featuring signature dishes like vitello tonnato (veal with tuna sauce, toasted

almonds, marinated vegetables, and fried capers), ossobuco alla Milanese (braised veal shank, gremolata, and saffron risotto), and filetto di manzo salsa Barolo (grilled filet mignon, leek puree, and sun-dried tomatoes in a Barolo wine sauce). Seasonal creations that highlight chef specialties are also offered. “Bice Naples has always held a special place in our brand,” says Roberto Ruggeri, founder of Bice Group. “As we celebrate 100 years, we are proud to honor our family’s legacy while reimagining the future of Italian cuisine.”

Bice Naples is open daily for happy hour (3-5 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m.). (bice-naples.com) –Jane E. Enos

Filetto di manzo salsa Barolo

Ossobuco alla Milanese

EAT+DRINK

NICE TO MEAT NEW

Whatever other culinary trends come and go, the upscale steak house remains an American darling. While the USDA reports that American cattle inventories are at their lowest since the 1950s and prices are rising, steakcentered restaurants continue to open and thrive. Per OpenTable, there are approximately 24 to 30 steak houses in the Naples area, including many longstanding ones like Andre’s Steakhouse (andressteakhouse.com), The Capital Grille (thecapitalgrille.com), Jimmy P’s Charred (jimmypsbutchershop. com), and The Continental (damicos continental.com). Despite the impressive lineup of established steak houses, new ones keep coming.

After thriving for years at Gulf Coast Town Center in Fort Myers and in Sarasota, Connors Steak & Seafood (connorsrestaurant.com) added a Naples location, while The French Brasserie Rustique became Tulia Italian Steak (tuliaitaliansteak.com). And a space at the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt in Naples that’s been many

things became Aufieri & Martinez (aufierimartinez.us), an Argentinian steak house. What this means is consumers have wide-ranging options, from upscale chophouses to more rustic establishments, each with their own signature style.

Aufieri & Martinez—the surnames of the owners—brings a carnivore’s fantasies to life via a menu that includes meaty appetizers like Angus beef carpaccio, grilled sweetbreads, grilled blood sausage, and chorizo. The house specializes in Argentine parrillada, a medley of meats grilled over oak and charcoal. Several cuts are offered, including skirt steak, short ribs, ribeye, and a tomahawk for two. While beef dominates, there is plenty for noncarnivores, including seafood. –Karen Feldman

CREATIONS

Sweet Stakes

In honor of the 152nd Kentucky Derby May 2, we tasked Denise Elrod, executive pastry chef of Blackbird Modern Asian restaurant in Naples, with crafting an edible chapeau worthy of the Run for the Roses.

“The Kentucky Derby’s iconic oversize hats inspired me to create an interpretation with both dramatic and seductive appeal,” Elrod says. “This iteration incorporates Blackbird’s signature black, red, and gold palette and is far too striking to sit on a plate. It was meant to be worn.”

To make this one-of-a-kind confection, Elrod used dark chocolate, miso paste, cream, hazelnuts, butter, sugar, and salt. She notes that shaping the chocolate base to capture the silhouette of couture headwear and achieve a smooth, velvet-like finish was the most challenging aspect of the construction. But her efforts resulted in an accessory as appetizing as it is beautiful.

“Every bite delivers a delicious mouthful of rich dark chocolate,” she explains, “but the real showstoppers are the salted hazelnut praline and miso-caramel ganache I’ve hidden beyond the petals inside the flowers.”

(blackbirdmodernasian.com) —Mary Murray

JERRY RABINOWITZ

MAY YOU INDULGE

Yes, while it’s a guilty pleasure, chocolate also offers possible health benefits like lowered blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels, improved attention and memory, and enhanced feelings of well-being and clarity.

In May, take advantage of the versatile sweet or savory treat on two occasions when chocolate is ideal. Cinco de Mayo, the celebration marking the Mexican army’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla (May 5, 1862), is a fine day to enjoy a dish with mole poblano, the sweet/spicy/ savory chocolate-based sauce

ubiquitous on Mexican menus. Some Naples spots to try it: Los Molcajetes (los-molcajetes. net), for house-made mole served atop enchiladas; Flaco’s (flacosrestaurant.com), serving chicken mole; and Salsa Brava Mexican Grill (facebook.com/ SalsaBravaMexicanGrill) for shrimp mole.

There’s no sweeter way to show mom your love on Mother’s Day, May 10, than with some fine candy. Virally trendy Dubai chocolate, a milk chocolate shell filled with a mix of pistachio paste, tahini, and shredded phyllo, is widely available in

stores and online.

A locally made confection is extra thoughtful. Olde Naples Chocolate (oldenaples chocolate.com) delivers a whimsical taste of Florida via a box of assorted chocolate gators, seashells, and sea creatures.

Owner Daniela Blondet says this Florida-themed collection and the chocolate truffle gift boxes are top sellers, but she also offers something special this month. “We will have our beautiful chocolate roses just for Mother’s Day,” she says. –K.F.

NI ’s curated dining guide for Greater NAPLES

THE LISTINGS

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

AMERICAN

ALEXANDER’S GARDEN RESTAURANT The tastes of farm-to-table American and European cuisine commingle at this fine dining establishment. 4077 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (alexandersnaples.com)

BALEEN AT LAPLAYA BEACH & GOLF RESORT

Dine amid elegant tropical surroundings indoors or on the tiered terrace to soak up the exquisite beachside views. 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples (laplayaresort.com)

BICYCLETTE COOKSHOP Chef/partner Kayla Pfeiffer’s imaginative style melds modern decor and attentive service with a menu of small plates, shareables, and a few larger options. 819 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (bicyclettecookshop.com)

BISTRO 821 A longtime Old Naples favorite, thanks to a diverse menu that fuses Asian, European, and domestic flavors. 821 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (bistro821.com)

BRICKTOP’S Boasting classic American dishes and an outstanding brunch featuring gems like brioche French toast and lobster Benedict. 5555 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (bricktops.com)

HAROLD’S PLACE A fun, casual bar and grill that serves classic burgers, seafood, salads, and more in a tropical setting complete with a chickee bar and poolside dining. 2555 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (naplesharoldsplace.com)

LAKE PARK DINER A healthy spin on classic diner fare, with an emphasis on organic meats and produce. 944 Seventh Ave. N.; 8856 Founders Square, Naples (thelakeparkdiner.com)

THE LOCAL Fresh, healthy meals dominate the menu, and its acclaimed brunch is one of the best in town. 5323 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples (thelocalnaples.com)

M WATERFRONT GRILLE Contemporary decor, fine cuisine, and views of Venetian Bay from every seat in the dining room. 4300 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples (mwaterfrontgrille.com)

MICHELBOB’S CHAMPIONSHIP RIBS & STEAKS Family-run since 1976, Michelbob’s offers a full bar and comprehensive menu of barbecue favorites. 371 Airport-Pulling Road N., Naples (michelbobs.com)

OLD VINES MERCATO Offering lunch, dinner, late-night bites, and more substantive fare in addition to a wellchosen wine list and creative cocktail selection. 9105 Strada Place, Ste. 3125, Naples (oldvinesnaples.com)

SEASONS 52 A rotating menu of healthy, seasonal dishes and international wines. 8930 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (seasons52.com)

SEVENTH SOUTH WATERFRONT The owners moved Seventh South to the Bayshore Arts District, bringing along their sustainable seafood program, hand-cut steaks, craft cocktails, and Sunday brunch. 2891 Bayview Drive, Naples (seventhsouth.com)

TOMMY BAHAMA RESTAURANT & BAR Born in Naples, the Tommy Bahama laid-back lifestyle is full throttle in its original festive eatery and bar at 1220 Third St. S., Naples; and Coconut Point, 23150 Fashion Drive #101, Estero (tommybahama.com)

WARREN AMERICAN WHISKEY KITCHEN Whiskey devotees adore this place, but there is more to love, including seafood towers, steaks, burgers, and more . 111 Tenth St. N., Naples (warrennaples.com)

EAT+DRINK

SEAFOOD

AMBER COVE Offering options from both the surf and turf, expect classics like lamb chops, filet mignon, sea bass, grouper, and salmon here. 885 Vanderilt Beach Road, Naples (ambercoverestaurant.com)

THE BAY HOUSE Overlooking the Cocohatchee River, this eatery features a beautiful dining room plus Southern-inspired seafood. 799 Walkerbilt Road, Naples (bayhousenaples.com)

THE BOATHOUSE ON NAPLES BAY Arrive by car or dock your boat at this waterfront seafood restaurant overlooking Naples Bay. 990 Broad Ave. S., Naples (boathouseonnaplesbay.com)

THE DOCK AT CRAYTON COVE An open-air restaurant serving fresh catches prepared with Caribbean and Latin influences. 845 12th Ave. S., Naples (dockcraytoncove.com)

HOGFISH HARRY’S Showcasing the Gulf’s bounty, Hogfish Harry’s serves up signatures such as monkfish bucco and, of course, grilled hogfish. 600 Neapolitan Way, Naples (hogfishharrys.com)

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

SAILS This bona fide “pescatarian’s haven” features exquisitely fresh seafood prepared to perfection. 301 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (sailsrestaurants.com)

SEA SALT Chef Fabrizio Aielli is a master at marrying organic local produce, wild-caught fish, naturally raised meat, and poultry with modern cooking techniques that delight. 1186 Third St. S., Naples (seasaltnaples.com)

SWAN RIVER SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Seafood— Southern and Northern varieties—stars at this longtime favorite, while its fish market is popular with home chefs. 3741 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (swanriverseafood.com)

TABLE FOR 2 X

GARDEN FRESH

The first time I dined at Shangri-La Springs in the 1990s, lunch consisted of a buffet of raw dishes unexpected in variety and flavor and indicative of the circa-1926 hotel’s wellness sway. The most recent time I dined at Shangri-La’s Harvest & Wisdom surprised me even more. A friend and I had learned chef Amy Visco Schmicker, a familiar name from fine dining restaurants on Sanibel Island, now rules the kitchen. I knew it the minute I bit into her kale salad because I liked it! Not much of a kale fan, you see. Harvest & Wisdom serves an ever-changing menu of breakfast and lunch orchestrated by what the on-site garden produces (thus, “harvest”). I can heartily recommend the key lime pancakes for breakfast. They satisfied my somewhat deviant fantasy of starting the day with a citrusy slice of pie in a socially accepted way. Ingredients not grown at Shangri-La are typically organic and locally sourced from regenerative gardens. A bounty of fruits and veggies arrived with both the grilled lamb and quiche du jour, a veritable farmers market on each plate.

The quiche was such a beauty: four fingers high, creatively mastered with pulled barbecue pork and dauphinoise potatoes. Its hearty flavor brought a pleasant twist to the sameold. The lamb came chopped and pattied, a bit dry and a bit of a letdown, owing only to our own expectations. And yet its multilayered presentation made up for it, set atop whole wheat pita slathered with tzatziki and pickled veggies.

I promise dessert cannot possibly disappoint, whether you settle upon the signature deepdish key lime pie (perfectly tart-balanced), vegan flourless chocolate torte, crème brûlée of the day, or whatever the chef dreams up with her garden-inspired wisdom. (shangrilasprings.com/ harvest-wisdom) –Chelle Koster Walton

STEAK

THE CAPITAL GRILLE Fine dining with an array of dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list. 9005 Mercato Drive, Naples (thecapitalgrille.com)

THE CONTINENTAL This D’Amico restaurant is a stylish steak house and gastropub. 1205 Third St. S., Naples (damicoscontinental.com)

THE GRILL Luxurious dining in The Ritz-Carlton, Naples features rich decor, aged prime beef, chops, and fresh seafood. 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (ritzcarlton.com/naples)

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

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Sophisticated decor, prime meats, and fine seafood make for a special night out at this longtime favorite founded in 1965. 23151 Village Shops Way, Bonita Springs (ruthschris.com)

SHULA’S STEAK HOUSE In the winning tradition of late NFL coaching icon Don Shula, the “Shula Cut” is one of the best steaks in town. 5111 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (shulasnaples.com)

Harvest & Wisdom at Shangri-La Springs, located in Bonita Springs, offers an everaltering menu and the talents of chef Amy Visco Schmicker.

EAT+DRINK

FRENCH

BISTRO LA BAGUETTE This traditional French bistro serves classic combinations like coq au vin and chateaubriand and offers cooking classes for various group sizes. 3560 Tamiami Trail E., Naples (bistrolabaguette.com)

BLEU PROVENCE Authentic dishes from the South of France are paired with wines from the vast, award-winning selection. 1234 Eighth St. S., Naples (bleuprovencenaples.com)

CHEZ BOËT FRENCH HOME COOKING Lisa and Philippe Boët serve up delicious French classics in a warm, homey atmosphere. 755 12th Ave. S., Naples (chezboetnaples.com)

CÔTE D’AZUR Intimate bistro in the style of Provence serves standouts like Maine lobster roasted in a clay pot. 11224 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (cotedazurrestaurant.com)

TARTINE & TARTELETTE Authentic, homemade French cuisine with wine pairings as sweet as the restaurant’s name. 11121 Health Park Blvd., Naples (tartinetartelette.com)

MEXICAN

FELIPE’S MEXICAN TAQUERIA A casual eatery serving fresh classics plus handcrafted cocktails. 4255 Tamiami Trail N.; 2220 Logan Blvd. N. Ste. 810, Naples (felipestaqueria.com)

FLACO’S This restaurant and steak house in the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt has been a Naples staple since 1996, offering a wide range of triedand-true Mexican favorites. 2371 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Napes (flacosrestaurant.com)

ROCCO’S TACOS AND TEQUILA BAR The signature tacos are a hit, along with the savory guacamole, made fresh tableside. 9123 Strada Place Ste. 7135, Naples (roccostacos.com)

TACOS & TEQUILA CANTINA The many varieties of tacos are made with fresh, local products and handmade tortillas. 4834 Davis Blvd.; 8971 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 10952 Eagle Village Drive, Fort Myers (tacosandtequilanaples.com)

TAQUERIA SAN JULIAN This neighborhood destination serves up tacos with familiar fillings, though tripe and tongue are available for the adventurous. 3575 Bayshore Drive, Naples (taqueriasanjulian.restaurantwebexpert.com)

TURCO TACO Clean eating, complete with hormoneand antibiotic-free meats, handmade and glutenfree tortillas, and more. 410 Ninth St. N.; 1514 Immokalee Road #116, Naples (theturcotaco.com)

ITALIAN

ANGELINA’S RISTORANTE A place for a special night out, with elegant cuisine and a 4,000-bottle wine tower. 24041 Tamiami Trail S., Bonita Springs (angelinasofbonitasprings.com)

BAKERY AT GRAPPINO Stop into this spot for breakfast fare and house-made breads, such as focaccia, brioche, and olive-rosemary loaves. Sweets, smoothies, and coffee drinks are also a favorite here. 90 Ninth St. N., Naples (aielligroup.com)

BAR TULIA This late-night brother of Osteria Tulia serves outstanding pizzas and a variety of irresistible small bites, among other delicacies. 462 Fifth Ave. S.; 9118 Strada Place Ste. 8150, Naples (bartulia.com)

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

BICE This restaurant offers an upscale Italian experience and favorites that include slow-braised Bolognese, veal osso buco, and black truffle risotto with jumbo scallops. 824 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (bice-naples.com)

CAMPIELLO RISTORANTE & BAR This mainstay on Third Street South is a perennial gathering place for great food and people-watching. 1177 Third St. S., Naples (campiellonaples.com)

DIGUSTO A family-owned and -operated spot featuring a blend of Italian fare recognized for maintaining authentic roots. 4180 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (digustoitaly.com)

GRAPPINO A venture from Ingrid and Fabrizio Aielli that celebrates Fabrizio’s Venetian roots and houses one of the country’s most comprehensive grappa bars. 90 Ninth St. N., Naples (grappinonaples.com)

LA TRATTORIA Old-world charm abounds at this Neapolitan-style pizzeria, where pie options are divided between rosse (red) and blanche (white). 878 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (latrattorianaples.com)

LIMONCELLO House-made pastas, rack of lamb, cioppino, and pizzas give a hint to the range of dishes available at this North Naples spot. 13800 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (limoncellonaples.com)

MINO This casual eatery specializes in pizza and trattoria dishes, including freshly made pastas and appetizers like the ever-popular arancini. 1100 Sixth Ave. S., Naples (minofl.com)

MOLTO TRATTORIA The homemade pasta, sauces, pizza Napoletana, and home-style cuisine are all topnotch. 368 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (moltonaples.com)

NOLITA Named for a neighborhood north of Little Italy in Manhattan, Nolita, located at The RitzCarlton, Naples, serves up a blend of artisan pastas, pizzas, and Italian classics for lunch and dinner. 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. (nolitanaples.com)

OSTERIA TULIA Chef Vincenzo Betulia’s authentically rustic venue and “peasant” cuisine are delizioso. 466 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (osteriatulia.com)

PAZZO! CUCINA ITALIANA This restaurant has been serving dishes using made-from-scratch sauces, pastas, and desserts for more than 20 years. 853 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (pazzoitaliancafe.com)

ASIAN

BLACKBIRD MODERN ASIAN Creative and artfully presented Pan-Asian cuisine, inventive craft cocktails, and sensuous Asian decor define this welcome addition to Naples Bay Resort featuring executive chef Tim Nickey. 1500 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (blackbirdmodernasian.com)

FUJIYAMA STEAK AND SEAFOOD HOUSE Enjoy steaks and seafood prepared with Japanese flair at Fujiyama’s hibachi table. 2555 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (naplesfujiyama.com)

ICHI TOGARASHI Exemplary dim sum, ramen, and seafood in a small but mighty Asian-fusion restaurant; the menu lists some two dozen ramen varieties. 800 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (togarashinaples.com)

I LOVE CURRY Mumbai native “Chef Di” shares his professional skill and passion for traditional, authentic Indian cuisine through a popular food truck, restaurant, and catering operation. 2740 Bayshore Drive Unit #11, Naples (ilovecurry124.com)

LE INDYA Having grown up on India’s southern coast, chef Suman Chaniyil creates authentic classics rich with flavor and finesse. 975 Pine Ridge Road, Naples (leindya.com)

NAMBA Named for a district of Osaka, Namba specializes in aburi sushi, a style of nigiri where the fish is partially grilled on top. 8847 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (nambanaples.com)

PJK NEIGHBORHOOD CHINESE RESTAURANT Naples residents and restaurateurs Paul Fleming and Jody Goodenough-Fleming serve a coastal Chinese menu with locally sourced seafood, plus dim sum and craft cocktails. 835 Fourth Ave. S., Naples (pjkchinese.com)

SUSHI ONE Freshness is paramount at Sushi One and each order is painstakingly prepared by hand. 1410 Pine Ridge Road, Naples (sushionenaples.com)

SUSHI-THAI Presenting traditional dishes from Japan, as well as sushi and Thai classics. 869 103rd Ave. N.; 7935 Airport-Pulling Road N.; 7211 Vanderbilt Beach Road Ste. 1; 898 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 25101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs (sushithaitoo.com and sushithaidowntown.com)

TIGRESS RESTAURANT & ROOFTOP BAR Get a bird’seye view of the serene Cocohatchee while exploring Cantonese-style cuisine as interpreted by chef and restaurateur Dale Talde. 12155 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (perryhotelnaples.com)

TONG YIN From the imaginative creators of Ichi Togarashi, this spot is another Asian-fusion establishment, giving a nod to Thai flavors. (tongyinnaples.com)

ZEN ASIAN BBQ A rustic Japanese pub serving fantastic sushi, Korean barbecue, ramen, and more. 10823 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (eatatzen.com)

EAT+DRINK

GLOBAL

BHA! BHA! PERSIAN BISTRO Michael Mir’s popular restaurant serves up savory lamb dishes and a wide choice of colorful and delicious Persian specialties. 865 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (bhabhabistro.com)

THE BOHEMIAN Global influences, a focus on technique and quality, and a vibrant decor underpin this chef-driven restaurant featuring an incredible array of sharable selections. 27975 Old 41 Road Ste. 104, Bonita Springs (thebohemianbonita.com)

C LEVEL BISTRO & WINE BAR A trendy venue that offers a menu of international dishes with American and French influences. 4450 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs (c-levelbar.com)

CELEBRATION PARK NAPLES This waterfront food truck park, which often features live music, has something for everyone, from Maine lobster and Greek gyros, to Asian fusion and Southern barbecue. 2880 Becca Ave., Naples (celebrationparknaples.com/food-trucks)

COAST Enjoy a candlelit dinner indoors or watch the sun set over the Gulf on the terrace as you savor the globally influenced cuisine. 1901 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples (edgewaternaples.com)

DEL MAR This Fifth Avenue South fave offers seafood, family-style shareables, Turkish flatbreads, and wood-fired entrées, such as lamb shank and ribeye, infused with the flavors of the Mediterranean coast. 494 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (delmarnaplesrestaurant.com)

ESTIA This restaurant with a North Naples address features Greek and Mediterranean faves, including an array of fresh whole fish. 8990 Fontana Del Sol Way, Naples (estiarestaurant.com)

FERNANDEZ THE BULL CUBAN CAFÉ Two locations serve traditional Cuban cuisine with a few twists. 1201 Piper Blvd.; 3375 Pine Ridge Road, Naples (fernandezthebull.com)

FUSE GASTROBAR Chef-owner Greg Scarlatos uses flavors and ingredients from around the world to create a diverse menu. 2500 Tamiami Trail N. #115, Naples (fusegastrobar.com)

GIUSEPPE AND THE LION The spot long known as Noodles has changed hands and names, but it still serves up Italian food, some sushi, and live shows. 1585 Pine Ridge Road, Naples (giuseppeandlion.com)

JANE’S CAFÉ ON THIRD Having worked in places such as London, Hong Kong, and Frankfurt, the owners of this popular downtown spot offer a world of breakfast and lunch choices. 1209 Third St. S., Naples (janesgardencafe.com)

KEEWAYDIN’S ON FIFTH It’s always island time at this vibrant downtown spot that boasts bold Caribbean flavors paired with sweet tropical ingredients. 711 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (keewaydins.com)

LAVENDER CAFÉ & BISTRO Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner and wide-ranging organic dishes; vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options abound. 300 Ninth St. S., Naples (lavendercafebistro.com)

LE COLONIAL Discover the French-tinged flavors of Vietnam at this chic outpost that marries Parisian sultriness with tropical modernity. 457 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (naples.lecolonial.com)

LIMA RESTAURANT & PISCO BAR This East Naples restaurant captures the essence of the Peruvian capital’s vibrant cuisine. 5047 Tamiami Trail E., Naples (lima-restaurant.com)

LÍMON ROOFTOP BAR At this location atop the AC Hotel, find creative cocktails and dishes, including tapas, flatbreads, larger shareables, and more. 455 Twelfth St. S., Naples (limonrooftop.com)

LOLA 41 This bistro and sushi bar takes its name by shortening “longitude” and “latitude.” The result?

Global cuisine galore. 560 Ninth St. S., Naples (lola41.com)

THE MED Traditional and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine meet at The Med, an indoor/outdoor artisan eatery in the Bayshore Arts District. On the menu are pizza, rotisserie chicken, and lots of plates to share. 3929 Bayshore Drive, Naples (themednaples.com)

MEDITERRANO This restaurant serves up authentic dishes like Mediterranean sea bass with figs, apricots, and raisins. 336 Thirteenth Ave. S., Naples (mediterrano-naples.com)

NOSH ON NAPLES BAY Small plates, or noshes, are the specialty at this establishment, the latest venture from award-winning chef, Todd Johnson. Along with wonderful cuisine, Nosh features stellar views of Naples Bay. 1490 Fifth Ave. S. Ste. 101, Naples (noshonnaplesbay.com)

PETAR’S RESTAURANT Chef Petar’s internationally inspired fare is superbly fresh. 3300 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs (petarsrestaurant.com)

SIMIT FRESH MEDITERRANEAN From the hummus to the simit, falafel, and baklava, Simit offers traditional Middle Eastern standards in a fast-casual setting. 1230 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples (simitfresh.com)

SOFRA Vegetables are the star at this resto taking inspiration from the shareable plates of the Eastern Mediterranean. Located at The RitzCarlton, Naples. 2280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (sofranaples.com)

TABLESIDE Hearty Romanian food and warm service lie at the heart of this spot where chef Gabriel Ilie recreates traditional recipes. 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (tablesiderestaurant.com)

UNIDOS RESTAURANT & BAR Nuevo-Latin dishes with coastal flair define this restaurant that boasts an impressive cocktail menu, a ceviche bar, and many creative culinary options. 1 Ninth St. S., Naples (unidosrestaurant.com)

VERANDA E The signature restaurant at The Escalante hotel offers an eclectic fusion of Asian and French-influenced flavors in a romantic, tropical setting. 290 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (hotelescalante.com)

THE VINE ROOM This new speakeasy-inspired venue with 1920s decor calls itself an “elevated cocktail lounge,” but it also serves wine and small plates from around the globe, such as stone crab, shrimp cocktail, a cheese trolley, ahi tuna tartare, and charcuterie. 465 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (vineroom.com)

WAXIN’S Offering Swedish fare along with some American and Italian classics. Favorites include the Swedish meatballs, baked cod, and beef Rydberg. 9110 Strada Place, Ste. 6130, Naples (waxins.com)

Fine Dining

From signature Italian dishes to sommelierguided pairings, every detail at Angelina’s is carefully considered to deliver a dining experience like no other.

FRANCESCACOVIELLO

MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

VERVE & VINO

TOASTING ITALIAN ARTISTRY WITH A STYLISH SIP WORTHY OF THE RUNWAY

BY JULES ARON

Step into a world of high glamour and rich craftsmanship as the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Miami hosts “From the Heart to the Hands: Dolce & Gabbana” through June 13. The immersive exhibition highlights Mediterranean culture and the artistry behind the iconic fashion house. To mark the occasion, consider raising a glass with wines from the Donnafugata x Dolce & Gabbana collection.

The elegant wines showcase native Sicilian grape varieties and reflect the passion and Mediterranean soul that permeate the exhibition. For a light, flavorful celebration, try the La Dolce Vita Rosé Fizz, a fragrant cocktail made with Donnafugata Rosa, a rosé derived from Nerello Mascalese and Nocera, capturing the essence of Sicilian energy. (miami.dolcegabbanaexhibition.com, donnafugata.it) X

La Dolce Vita Rosé Fizz

Ingredients

1 bottle Donnafugata Rosa

1 cup strawberries, sliced 1-2 tsp. rose water

1 bottle Donnafugata sparkling wine (Brut or Rosé)

Food-grade rose petals to garnish

« Combine Donnafugata Rosa with sliced strawberries and rose water in a pitcher. Chill for at least 2 hours. Before serving, add the Donnafugata sparkling wine and garnish with rose petals. Serve over ice.

BALANCE

YOUR BEST SELF: FITNESS, NUTRITION, MINDFULNESS, WELL-BEING

SUPPORT and Stability

If you’re dealing with knee or hip pain, it’s possible that the issue may stem from your ankles. “I look at it as the roots of the tree, in terms of where your stability and everything start from,” explains Mike Edwards, owner of Fitness Inside & Out in Naples, who holds a master’s degree in exercise physiology. He notes that ankle issues may not be apparent through basic movements. Someone “might be really strong

and stable going forward and backward in terms of movement, but the minute you have them go out to the side, that’s when you start seeing that ankle move a lot,” he says. Edwards adds that straightforward one-foot balance exercises may not reveal an issue either. “Individuals are missing that assessment when not changing direction with their foot and balancing in different directions,” he points out. Working with a

physical therapist or trainer may help you identify ankle issues, as well as any necessary next steps. “The problem, many times, is that people start doing strengthening work before they really increase their range of motion and flexibility or stability,” notes Edwards. “So, all they’re doing is adding more and more pressure to that joint.” A physical therapist or trainer may also help you pinpoint an issue’s root cause. “It’s for more of a thorough assessment so you can find specific weaknesses,” Edwards notes. (naplesfitnessgym.com) –Erika Klein

AWARENESS

An Ounce of Mental Health Prevention

At a recent school event, kids colored and wrote their personal goals on flowers, creating a bouquet of goals while their parents made vision boards highlighting goals for the entire family. The activity showed off the mental health education services at David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC), which are now available through the DLC Wellness Institute that launched earlier this year. It’s “just being able to really help people keep mental health top of mind,” explains Jessica Liria, director of community wellness and impact at DLC.

The Wellness Institute offers programs for the entire community but focuses many on kids and families, as Liria points out that mental health concerns often begin to emerge in childhood and adolescence. “Parents do a great job raising their kids, but it is a challenging job, and so [it’s] being able to really provide them with different techniques and different strategies,” Liria notes. The institute’s programs include a free parenting class that covers topics like building children’s resiliency and navigating difficult

conversations, a variety of school programs for all ages, and mental health first aid training, among others. DLC’s website also features resources covering topics from self-love and boundaries to living with intention to the importance of nutrition and sleep for mental health. The idea, Liria says, is to help community members learn mental health information and strategies and have conversations to spread the knowledge.

“We’re really well-known [at DLC] for crisis services and substance-use treatment services, but we have a lot of other programs to offer,” Liria stresses, adding that the institute is for everyone. “A big passion of mine is for mental health to be as glamorous as physical health, and I want people to feel proud when they engage in self-care or when they’re practicing their coping skills,” she continued. “To make our community feel like a happier, safer place, we need to pay attention to our mental health, as well as how we’re impacting others.” (davidlawrencecenters.org) —E.K.

LONGEVITY

Time to THRIVE

Thrive IV Bar has sometimes been called a medical spa, but CEO Stephanie Ahasic prefers to think of it as a wellness center. “While we offer services that are focused on looking better, our primary offerings are centered on feeling better, so you can live better,” she explains. Their eight signature IV drips are specifically designed to address various health concerns—from the Detoxarita, a nausea-relieving hangover remedy, to the immune-boosting Flu Fighter. “It has been one of the worst flu seasons in decades, so our Flu Fighter has been super popular,” Ahasic notes. Acknowledging that needles aren’t for everyone, she points to Thrive IV Bar’s variety of other offerings to enhance health, including wholebody cryotherapy, infrared sauna, hydrogen inhalation, and a skin analyzer that evaluates different factors that contribute to the skin aging. “We have helped people create a healthier lifestyle, which increases their quality of life and happiness,” Ahasic says. “It’s a beautiful cycle.” (thriveivbar.com) –E.K.

KEEPING BEARDS BEAUTIFUL

EMPOWERMENT

BUDDIES at the Beach

Recently, more than 100 second-grade students spent a day together at the beach, many of them for their very first time. The annual February event, called Buddy Day, hosted by the Immokalee-based Guadalupe Center, pairs students from its after-school tutoring program with an adult volunteer. “In our area, the socioeconomic level is very low, and the parents are working very hard, so it’s an opportunity for those kids to get a great day in at the beach,” explains Jim Ragusa, senior director of college and career readiness at Guadalupe Center. The kids rotate through a variety of activities, from a firetruck visit and shelling to arts and crafts and birding, while bonding with their mentor. “They’re learning in a fun way [with] hands-on activities,” Ragusa says of the event, which is now in its twentieth year. “It’s a really special day for members of our community to get to meet our kids and have a special moment and a fun-filled day for kids that otherwise wouldn’t [happen],” he adds. “The kids spend the day on the beach having fun, which every kid should [get to] do.” (guadalupecenter.org) –E.K.

Years ago, in search of a good beard oil, Kelly Brott began making his own and soon started Brott’s Beard Care, based in Winter Garden, Florida. While he emphasizes beard care can be personalized, he notes it is not that complicated. “Start with a great all-natural beard oil and add additional products only when needed,” Brott advises. For a more in-depth routine, Brott recommends washing beards daily with all-natural beard soap, then applying a natural beard oil to hydrate and condition both the beard and skin. For long or unruly beards, he also recommends adding beard balm. “Beard care is just as much about taking care of the skin underneath the beard as it is about taking care of the actual beard hair,” he explains.

Brott notes he makes all his products by hand in small batches using only natural plantbased ingredients. “This creates a fresher, more consistent product that is often made within days of being purchased,” he points out. “As beards continue to be more accepted in society, it’s more important than ever to keep your beard looking and feeling great with products specifically designed for [it].” (brottsbeardcare.com) –E.K.

Guadalupe Center hosts its twentieth annual Buddy Day, affording area students activities that engage and excite.

Products from Brott’s Beard Care are made by hand in small batches using only natural plant-based ingredients.

PAMPER

SEASONED WITH STYLE

BODY BEFORE MIND

WHY YOU CAN’T THINK YOUR WAY INTO CALM

BY CHLOE KRAMMEL

We all have something we want to work on. Not superficial issues like abs or aging, but the more rigid patterns of our soul and psyche. Most of us try to think our way out of these patterns. We talk, we analyze, we optimize. We assume that if we understand it, we can fix it. But mental health begins with the state of our nervous system. The body registers safety or threat long before the mind forms a story, and when the nervous system is dysregulated—stuck in fight, flight, or freeze—no amount of positive thinking can override it. Healing begins when the body feels safe enough to settle.

SOMATICS

X

Somatic therapy emphasizes the mindbody connection through “bottom-up” processing, using physical techniques to regulate the nervous system. An important player in all this is the vagus nerve, the primary parasympathetic pathway that connects the brainstem to nearly all major organs. Roughly 80 percent of its fibers carry information from the body to the brain, meaning your physiology is constantly informing your mental state. When vagal tone is strong, the body can shift more efficiently into a state of calm. If you feel your sympathetic nervous system start to engage a fight-or-flight response, stimulate your vagus nerve through slow breathing, humming, or walking.

EMOTIONAL PROCESSING

Emotional stress triggers the same physiological cascade as physical danger: heart rate increases, muscles tense, digestion slows. When stress becomes chronic, these patterns can become habitual, reinforcing vigilance, tension, and fatigue. Fascia—the connective tissue network that wraps around muscles, organs, and nerves—is deeply innervated and responsive to stress. Over time, chronic tension can impact posture and movement, illustrating how the body keeps score not metaphorically but physically. Learning to

identify and feel your emotions, acknowledge the discomfort, and breathe through it instead of bracing against it can help in the now and in the long run.

CO-REGULATION

Co-regulation is a biological process in which one person’s regulated nervous system helps to stabilize another’s. Through subtle cues like eye contact, posture, vocal tone, and breathing patterns, our nervous systems communicate directly via mirror neurons. From infancy, we regulate through caregivers, and this carries through to adulthood.

Co-regulation is the foundation of secure relationships and a nonverbal way to shift out of fight-or-flight.

PB&J CUPS

A LUNCHBOX CLASSIC FOR THE SOUL, WITH PROTEIN AND FIBER TO SUPPORT THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Ingredients (serves 4)

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut/seed butter)

1 cup rolled oats

3/4 cup strawberries, finely chopped

1 tbsp. chia seeds

1 tbsp. maple syrup or honey

3 tbsp. chocolate chips

1 tsp. coconut oil

V Line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and oats until fully combined. Divide the mixture evenly into muffin liners. Press firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides to create a well in the center of each. In another bowl, stir the strawberries, chia seeds, and maple syrup or honey together until combined. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Spoon the berry-chia mixture into each well. In a third small bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together until smooth. Spoon over each cup, spreading evenly. Freeze for 1 hour until firm.

ILLUSTRATION BY CHLOE KRAMMEL

COURTES

TRENDING

GET MOO-VING

FROM THE FRIDGE TO THE MEDICINE CABINET, REAL DAIRY PRODUCTS ARE RESURGING IN POPULARITY

BY LIZA GRANT SMITH

MILKING IT

Operating out of California, Straus Family Creamery and its family of products are most notable for what’s not included: gums, thickeners, stabilizers, artificial ingredients, and coloring agents. Its organic 2 percent reduced fat milk is gently pasteurized and never homogenized, so the cream floats to the top. Most milks are ultrapasteurized to increase shelf life, but that can compromise the flavor and result in some minor reductions in heat-sensitive nutrients. The high-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization method used by Straus destroys harmful bacteria while preserving the flavor of fresh milk. (strausfamilycreamery.com)

SUPPLE SKIN

CREAM OF THE CROP

Vermont’s Ploughgate Creamery crafts its cultured butter in the European tradition, fermenting cream with live bacterial cultures. This results in a tangy, complex, and slightly nutty flavor. The butter is churned in small batches, with salt kneaded in by hand before the butter is manually formed into balls. Flavors include salted and unsalted as well as seaweed, maple, and Espelette pepper, among others. (ploughgate.com)

In addition to being packed with vitamins and minerals like zinc and selenium that have amazing impacts on your skin, the Dionis Lemon Verbena and Cream hand and body goat milk cream features goat’s milk, which helps to balance the skin’s microbiome. Inspiration for Dionis products comes from fresh ingredients and flowers found on the brand’s female-run goat farm in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (dionis gmskincare.com)

BERRY NICE

Batch-cultured with 14 live probiotic cultures, Kalona SuperNatural ’s organic whole milk mixed berry kefir with elderberry is derived from grassfed cows on small family farms in Kalona, Iowa. The company uses a lowertemperature pasteurization process and does not homogenize its kefir, resulting in a delicious cream on the top. The inclusion of elderberry not only adds a yummy flavor, but it boosts the probiotic drink’s immunesupporting properties. (kalonasupernatural.com)

SWEET TOOTH California-based Alec’s Ice Cream sources its milk from organic and regenerative dairy farms. This move alone sets the company apart, but it differentiates itself further by making its ice cream from A2 dairy, cow’s milk that contains only the A2 type of beta-casein protein, which is associated with less stomach cramping, bloating, and indigestion compared to milk with the A1 beta-casein protein. Available in fl avors like Dark Chocolate Honeycomb Crunch and ChocolateCovered Strawberry, Alec’s Culture Cups boast pre- and probiotics that aid in digestion and support the immune system. (alecsicecream.com)

SEASIDE PERFECTION

ADDRESS

3777 Gordon Drive, Naples

PRICE

$44,995,000

COMMUNITY

Port Royal

YEAR BUILT

2023

SIZE

9,074 square feet

BEDROOMS/BATHROOMS

Six bedrooms, eight bathrooms

SPECIAL FEATURES

This rare, inspiring waterfront offering on Gordon Drive showcases wide, sweeping vistas across

Champney Bay. Impeccably designed by Stofft Cooney Architects and built to exacting standards in 2023 by highly acclaimed The Williams Group, this exceptional residence delivers an unparalleled combination of scale, craftsmanship, and setting. The home features six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and more than 9,000 square feet of air-conditioned living space, complemented by an extraordinary garage, capable of accommodating as many as eight vehicles. This property also boasts 120 feet of water frontage and approximately 185 feet of shoreline. The main-living level sits at 18-feet FEMA elevation, creating a distinctive blend of expansive water views, enhanced privacy, and peace of mind. The pool complex features an upper-level heated

spa, a large pool with a sun shelf, and a generous artificial-turf lawn with a custom gazebo and outdoor shower. Newly completed dockage includes three lifts and rivals that of a private marina, offering accommodations for two vessels of approximately 50 feet and an additional boat around 20 feet, as well as a dual Jet Ski platform lift. Eligibility for associate membership at the esteemed Port Royal Club is also included.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Rex Miller

William Raveis Real Estate Phone: 239-821-1433

Email: rex@raveis.com

THIS WATERFRONT PROPERTY, SITUATED ALONG COVETED GORDON DRIVE, SETS THE STANDARD FOR REFINED LIVING.

THE HOTTEST CULTURE AND COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

TOP BILLING

INTO FLORIDA’S ANCIENT WILD

For a remarkable 72 years, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has stood as one of Southwest Florida’s most powerful symbols of preservation, a place where ancient trees, rare wildlife, and fragile wetlands have been protected by the National Audubon Society since 1954. What was once threatened by logging is now home to the world’s largest remaining old-growth bald cypress forest.

To mark the anniversary, the sanctuary invites visitors to experience Corkscrew through a trio of immersive guided programs that reveal the magic of the swamp at different hours of the day and night. The Sunset Stroll captures Corkscrew at one of its most breathtaking moments. As golden light filters through the cypress canopy, guests can climb the observation tower to watch the sun slip below the horizon before walking along the 2.25-mile boardwalk. Led by naturalists, participants hear insects begin their rhythmic chorus and watch wildlife stir. Offered on select evenings, including May 12, 20, and 26, the experience is $40, $20 for ages 12-16. The Ancient Forest Tour on May 28 guides visitors through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, and marsh before arriving at the old-growth bald cypress forest, where some trees are more than 500 years old. The tour is $30 for ages 16 and older. After dark, the Corkscrew Night Tour reveals yet another dimension of the sanctuary on May 13, 18, and 27. Guided by flashlight and starlight, visitors listen for owls, watch insects pulse through the understory, and may spot an alligator quietly swimming. The Corkscrew Night Tour tickets are $40, $15 for ages 12-16. (corkscrew.audubon.org) –Darby Kordonowy

From top: A great egret perches within the canopy along the boardwalk at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary; red-bellied woodpeckers are the most seen and heard woodpecker at the sanctuary and are sometimes spotted on the bird feeders behind the Blair Visitor Center and along the boardwalk.

ARTS & EVENTS

GOINGS ON & PERFORMANCES

1 Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, an aweinspiring musical of the captivating story of King’s rise to fame featuring two decades of her hits, Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples, to May 31, tickets start at $44. (gulfshoreplayhouse.org)

Justin Willman: One for the Ages Tour, enjoy a performance from the star and creator of Netflix’s Magic for Humans and The Magic Prank Show Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, tickets start at $50. (bbmannpah.com)

2 Comedy Night: Shakespeare Night, delight in a highenergy improv comedy show that features a quick-witted cast turning audience inspiration into spontaneous scenes, playful games, and off-the-cuff songs, Price Theater, The Naples Players, $27. (naplesplayers.org)

Rookery Bay Community Day, enjoy a fun-filled day of family activities, including kayak demos, boat tours, a hands-on marine touch tank, and more, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, free. (rookerybay.org)

Clockwise from top left: Stanislav Plutenko’s Madonnas of Modernity and Station of Forgotten Brides, on view at East West Fine Art; Kiss Me by Abel Garcia, on view at the Marco Island Center for the Arts; Modern Still Life by Arthur Emptage, on view at Naples Art Institute; reggae/rock band Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime performs at Sugarshack Downtown May 17.

Shades of Bublé, a three-singer celebration honoring Canadian vocalist and multiple Grammy Award–winning artist Michael Bublé, Gulf Coast Symphony, $62. (gulfcoastsymphony.org)

5 Miami City Ballet with the Naples Philharmonic, a performance that will bring the brilliance of George Balanchine’s Jewels to life with a program set to music by Fauré, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky, Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, tickets start at $67. (artisnaples.org)

6 Much Ado About Nothing, a witty and spirited comedy that reimagines Shakespeare with lively romance, mischievous intrigue, and plenty of clever turns, Kizzie Theater, The Naples Players, to May 24, $58. (naplesplayers.org)

Rhythm & Blooms, enjoy a performance by the Global Jazz Collective with José Valentino in partnership with FGCU’s Bower School of Music, Naples Botanical Garden, included with garden admission. (naplesgarden.org)

9 Kash’d Out w/Sensamotion & Beach Fly, enjoy a reggae/rock concert, Sugarshack Downtown, Bonita Springs, $52. (sugarshackdowntown.com)

Music in the Garden, unwind among the tropical gardens while listening to talented local musicians, Naples Botanical Garden, included with garden admission. (naplesgarden.org)

WONDER IN FULL BLOOM

Walk, observe, navigate, draw, explore, and read at Family Wonder Days, a garden-wide celebration filled with playful games, engaging activities, and scavenger hunts for all ages. Taking place May 23 and 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., this nature-inspired weekend at Naples Botanical Garden invites families to connect with the outdoors through creative discovery and joyful exploration. Free with garden admission. (naplesgarden.org) –D.K.

2

PICKS

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL AT GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE IS RUNNING THROUGH MAY 31. THIS BROADWAY SENSATION TRACES CAROLE KING’S EXTRAORDINARY RISE FROM A BROOKLYN TEENAGER TO ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL SINGERSONGWRITERS OF ALL TIME. TICKETS START AT $44. (GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE.ORG)

DISCOVER “NEW WAYS OF SEEING: AMERICAN MODERNISM FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION,” ON VIEW NOW THROUGH JULY 12 AT NAPLES ART INSTITUTE. THIS COMPELLING EXHIBITION TRACES THE TRANSFORMATION OF AMERICAN ART FROM 1915 TO 1960, AS ARTISTS FORGED A DISTINCTLY AMERICAN MODERNIST VOICE EMBRACING BOLD COLOR AND FORM. (NAPLESART. ORG) —D.K.

12 Sunset Stroll, watch sunset from the tower, experience the shift from day to night, and search for nocturnal wildlife, Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, also May 20 and 26, $40; ages 12-16, $20. (corkscrew.audubon.org)

A Swing of Grace, golf tournament benefiting Grace Place, Bonita Bay Golf Club, individual ticket $350. (graceplacenaples.org)

13 Corkscrew Night Tour, explore the swamp after dark as insects, owls, and alligators become active, and on clear nights, enjoy exceptional stargazing, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, also May 18 and May 27, $40; ages 12 to 16, $15. (corkscrew.audubon.org)

Jason Mraz, two-time Grammy Award–winning singer/songwriter and Songwriters Hall of Fame honoree with special guest Gregory Page, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, tickets start at $76. (bbmannpah.com)

14 Evening on Fifth, live musical performances along Fifth Avenue South, Naples, free. (fifthavenuesouth.com)

15 Swan Lake with Naples Ballet and the Naples Philharmonic, set to Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score performed live under the baton of Manuel López-Gómez, this enchanting production tells the timeless story of love, betrayal, and redemption, Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, tickets start at $29. (artisnaples.org)

THESE EVENT DETAILS ARE CURRENT AS OF PRESS TIME, BUT PLEASE CONTACT THE VENUE OR PRESENTER FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION.

Actress Julia Bain plays Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

16 Footloose the Musical Jr., based on the 1984 film, this high-energy adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie follows Ren McCormack, as he challenges a small town’s ban on dancing, Glass Theater, The Naples Players, to May 19, tickets start at $25. (naplesplayers.org)

17 Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime, enjoy a reggae/rock concert, Sugarshack Downtown, Bonita Springs, free. (sugarshackdowntown.com)

21 Jim Breuer: Find the Funny, a performance from American comedian, podcaster, writer, and actor known for his run on Saturday Night Live and for frequent appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, tickets start at $50, (bbmannpah.com)

Patriotic Pops, The Naples Philharmonic, Naples Philharmonic Chorus, and Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus come together for a rousing tribute to America’s musical legacy with works honoring service, courage, and unity, Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, also May 22, tickets start at $29. (artisnaples.org)

22 Juice, enjoy funk, jam, blues, and rock, Sugarshack Downtown, Bonita Springs, free. (sugarshackdowntown.com)

23 Family Wonder Days, a weekend of wonderful games, activities, and scavenger hunts for the whole family, Naples Botanical Garden, also May 24, included with garden admission. (naplesgarden.org)

CELEBRATING AMERICA’S MUSICAL HERITAGE

IN COMMEMORATION OF AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY, THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC, JOINED BY THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC CHORUS AND NAPLES PHILHARMONIC YOUTH CHORUS, PRESENTS PATRIOTIC POPS, A STIRRING ORCHESTRAL AND CHORAL TRIBUTE TO THE MUSICAL LEGACY OF THE UNITED STATES. THE CONCERT TAKES PLACE ON MAY 21 AND 22 AT HAYES HALL AT ARTIS—NAPLES. TICKETS START AT $29. (ARTISNAPLES.ORG) D.K.

24 The Yacht Rockefellers Trio, enjoy a reggae, yacht-rock concert, Sugarshack Downtown, Bonita Springs, free. (sugarshackdowntown.com)

27 Art After Hours, guests of all ages can enjoy free admission to all museum exhibitions alongside live music and concessions at Heidi’s Place, The Baker Museum, Artis—Naples, free. (artisnaples.org)

28 Ancient Forest Tour, celebrate Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s seventy-first anniversary under the protection of the National Audubon Society with a 2.25-mile guided boardwalk tour through the world’s largest remaining old-growth bald cypress forest, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, $30; ages 16 and older. (corkscrew.audubon.org)

VISUAL ARTS & GALLERIES

The Baker Museum, Naples. “Sonia Louise Davis: To Reverberate Tenderly,” multisensory exhibition featuring textile-based soft paintings and neon elements, to May 24; “Florida Contemporary,” annual exhibition celebrating the state’s vibrant art scene, to June 28; “The Passion of Collecting: Stories in Glass and Ceramics from the Sibrack Collection,” to fall 2026; “Discovering Ansel Adams,” photography exhibition, to August 2; “There & Here: New Perspectives of the Permanent Collection,” exhibit featuring highlights and rarities from the permanent collection, ongoing. (artisnaples.org)

East West Fine Art, Naples. “Cloud Tree,” an exhibit featuring surrealist and fantasy paintings by Stanislav Plutenko, May 4 to May 18. (eastwestfineart.com)

Marco Island Center for the Arts. “Snap Crackle and POP ART!,” a bold, high-energy celebration of pop art’s enduring influence, featuring works by Abel Garcia, Gil Sanchez, Holly Manneck, David Horton, and Lee Horton, May 4 to June 23. (marcoislandart.org)

Marco Island Historical Museum. “America the Beautiful by Clyde Butcher,” part of the America250 celebration featuring Butcher’s black-and-white, largescale landscape photography, to July 11. (themihs.info)

Museum of the Everglades, Everglades City. “Growing Obsession—the Enchanting Story of Orchids in the Everglades,” exhibit exploring wild orchids in the Everglades, including the rare ghost orchid, to June 20. (colliermuseums.com)

Naples Art Institute. “New Ways of Seeing: American Modernism from a Private Collection,” an exhibition on the transformation of American art between 1915 and 1960 from early modernist experimentation through mid-century abstraction, to July 12. (naplesart.org)

A cowhorn orchid featured in “Growing Obsession—the Enchanting Story of Orchids in the Everglades,” an exhibit at the Museum of the Everglades

Patriotic Pops with The Naples Philharmonic, Naples Philharmonic Chorus, and Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus at Artis—Naples

CLEAR SKIES

BUYING INFORMATION

PAGE 90

Pleated jersey dress ($995), runway chain slingbacks ($450), Tory Burch, Waterside Shops, Naples, toryburch.com

PAGE 91

Dress ($5,450), mules ($1,500), Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, chanel.com

PAGE 92

Blouse ($4,000), pants ($3,500), Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, chanel.com; Ayla suede flats ($895), Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com.

PAGE 93

Cropped bomber jacket ($3,550), Louis Vuitton, Waterside Shops, Naples, us.louisvuitton.com

PAGE 94

Dress ($2,800), mini clutch ($1,650), Ferragamo, Waterside Shops, Naples, ferragamo.com; Mia top ($120), Incline bottoms ($100), Jade Swim, jadeswim.com

PAGE 95

Naiad silk georgette embroidered dress ($3,200), Aura earrings ($330), La DoubleJ, ladoublej.com; Ayla suede flats ($895), Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com.

PAGE 96

Jacket ($5,500), shirt (price upon request), skirt ($7,700), shoes ($1,290), bag ($4,500), Prada, prada.com

PAGE 97

Swimming top ($750), swimming trunks ($700), bag ($6,200), Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, chanel.com; sunglasses ($500), Dior, dior.com

PAGE 98

The Classic One-Piece ($485), Johanna Ortiz, johannaortiz.com; reversible silk twill foulard scarf ($420), La DoubleJ, ladoublej.com; earrings ($1,400), necklace ($2,800), Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, chanel.com; natural and light gold woven raffia mini beach tote bag with fringe ($1,095), Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com.

PAGE 99

Sienna one-piece bathing suit ($200), Jade Swim, jadeswim.com

NAPLES CHARITY REGISTER EVENT LISTING

SUBMISSION FORM IS AVAI BLE & OPEN JUNE 1 THROUGH JULY 24!

We invite in-market charities to submit information for their primary fundraising event and be part of the NaplesCharityRegister!

Listing submissions for Naples Charity Register open June 1st! Be sure to submit your Listing before July 24th www.naplesillustrated.com/charity

From the publisher of Naples Illustrated PUBLICATION DATE: NOVEMBER 2026

Contact Ileana Caban at icaban@palmbeachmedia.com

GOOD DEEDS

MOTIVATED BY LOVE

Sheila Zellers, an ordained minister and Florida native, faced a difficult childhood marked by poverty, alcoholism, and abuse—experiences that left lasting trauma into adulthood. Her path to healing began when she sought divine guidance. “I asked God clearly what his calling was on my life, and I felt him speak to my heart: be motivated by love,” she recalls. She subsequently founded the faith-based nonprofit Motivated by Love Ministries in 2000, and her mission became clear—to change the world one heart at a time. Since then, Zellers has traveled extensively across the United States and abroad, sharing the message of her faith at conferences, revivals, concerts, and prayer

meetings. A gospel singer since age 4, she has recorded nine albums, using her voice to inspire spiritual growth and emotional healing. Zellers and her husband, Tim, met as teens at her family’s bait shop and married in 1977. The couple work side by side at their auto dealerships (Tamiami Ford, Tamiami Hyundai, and Genesis of Naples) and often combine global mission trips with their favorite pastime, fishing. At home in Naples, they support myriad nonprofits and charity events, embodying the very love Zellers’ ministry proclaims. As she says, “We love our community and our lives here, and giving back is simply love in action.”–Patricia Janeway

NICK

SHIRGHIO

For A Life Less Ordinary

JOSE M. HORAK, DMD

KURTIS P. HUSSEY, DMD

KATIE N. RODRIGUEZ, DMD, MS

EDWARD A. SCHERDER, DMD, JD

ROBERT C. HEDGEPATH, DMD