Naples Illustrated March 2024

LINING UP GREATNESS

A SOUTHWEST FLORIDA TEEN GOLFER PINS DOWN BIG-TIME SUCCESS ON THE LINKS

Gianna Clemente

FORCES OF NATURE

CULTIVATING A STRONGER COMMUNITY AT THE NONPROFIT EMPOWERMENT FARM

THE 239 ISSUE

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FEATURES

126 IN THE ZONE

Gianna Clemente, 15-year-old Southwest Florida golfing sensation, is anything but green

By Sheldon Zoldan

134

BOTTLING THE BLESSINGS

A Neapolitan couple, owners of Simon Family Estate, embrace wine’s power to unite

By Karen Feldman

140

IN THE AIR TONIGHT

We flash back to the fashion of the 1980s in honor of the fortieth anniversary of Miami Vice Photography by RIOCAM

148

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

The nonprofit Empowerment Farm grows positive possibilities in a judgment-free environment

By Gaylene Salomons

Tiffany Lehman’s Empowerment Farm offers ways to

WATERSIDE

VERONICABEARD.COM

CONTENTS

102

DEPARTMENTS

36 OUR ADVISORY BOARD

38 FROM THE EDITOR

44 RSVP

Soirees from the social season

INSIDER

61 SPOTLIGHT

Amanda Fairbanks on her intriguing work of nonfiction

62 AROUND TOWN

Notes on Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, The RitzCarlton Residences, and PBX Pickleball

68 LITERATI

Female authors to check out for Women’s History Month

STYLE

73 IT LIST

Saturated essentials to enliven your closet and home

74 THE LOOK

The coastal grandmother vibe à la Florida

76 THE EDIT

Our editors’ go-to accessories

78 BIJOUX

Jewelry evocative of bamboo

80 BEAUTY

Luxurious products to enhance your self-care rituals

RESIDE

87 AT HOME WITH...

The Goldsteins, Vineyards residents

90 SHOWCASE

An inspiring Naples home embraces Scandinavian design, boasting enticing natural views

96 INSPIRED LIVING

Tips for creating the ultimate glam room

100 ELEMENTS

Decor in Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year

102 DESIGNER DEFERENCE

Little Palm Design Group realizes an urban aesthetic

ASHLEY MEYER

BLAINE JOHNATHAN PHOTOGRAPHY

WEST PALM NAPLES JUPITER FORT MYERS PALM BEACH WELLINGTON

CONTENTS

JOURNEYS

109 WANDERLUST

The Seven Seas Grandeur represents a new wave of high-end cruising

114 QUICK TRIPS

The captivating past and luxe present of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

118 FLORIDIANA

It’s time to add Flamingo Lodge inside Everglades National Park to your bucket list

120 HIGH ROAD

Behind the wheel of an attention-grabbing Rolls-Royce Ghost

122 HIGH SEAS

Ample space is given aboard Sunseeker’s Ocean 182 superyacht

EAT + DRINK

157 OPENINGS

The all-new Naples Society Wine Bar

158 LOCAL BITES

Warren, Keewaydin’s, food tours, more

168 MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

An herby drink to usher in spring

BALANCE

171 WARM-UP

The high points of consuming coffee before your workouts

172 HEALTH & FITNESS

At-home yoga tips, National Reading Month, correcting low testosterone, and treating allergies in your furry friends

176 TRENDING

Four immunity-boosting hacks to try now

178 GOOD NATURE

The invigorating essence of essential oils

180 WEALTH

The cash value perks of whole life insurance

SCENE

195 TOP BILLING

Celebrating the art of Gershwin at The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples

196 CALENDAR

What to see and do this month

LAST WORD

200 REAL TALK WITH...

Iconic shoe designer Christian Louboutin

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Lenten Organ Concerts

Every Wednesday in March 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.

The spectacular Ruffatti organ is featured in these informal free concerts.

Publisher Meegan Wyatt

Editor in Chief Jane E. Enos

Director Olga M. Gustine Executive Editor Mary Murray

Managing Editor Allison Wolfe Reckson

Senior Editor Gaylene Salomons

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

DESIGN

Senior Art Director Ashley Meyer

Art Directors Airielle Farley, Jenny Fernandez-Prieto Digital Imaging Specialist Leonor Alvarez-Maza

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tammy Fender, Erika Klein, Kristen Desmond LeFevre, Joe Pye, Liza Grant Smith, Kennedy White, Mary Thurman Yuhas, Sheldon Zoldan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

RIOCAM, Nick Shirghio

SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kevin Bires, Matt DeNunzio, Heather Dockweiler, Charlie McDonald, Jim Sernovitz, Helen Werner, Anthony Zollo

ADVERTISING

Account Managers

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

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

Digital Account Manager Ryan Hollihan, 561-472-2208, rhollihan@palmbeachmedia.com

Advertising Services Coordinator Elizabeth Hackney

Marketing Manager Rebecca Desir

PRODUCTION

Production Director Selene M. Ceballo

Production Manager Lourdes Linares

Digital Pre-Press Specialists George Davis, Beatriz S. Salazar

Advertising Design Coordinators Anaely J. Perez Vargas, Jeffrey Rey

Production Coordinator Ileana Caban

Digital Marketing Manager Tyler Sansone

OPERATIONS

Accounting Specialist Mary Beth Cook

Accounts Receivable Specialist Ana Coronel

Distribution Manager Judy Heflin

Logistics Manager Omar Morales

Circulation Manager Marjorie Leiva

Circulation Assistants Cathy Hart, Britney Stinson

Circulation Promotions Manager David Supple

IT Manager Omar Greene

Group Publisher Terry Duffy Editorial Director Daphne Nikolopoulos Chief Operating Officer Todd Schmidt

In Memoriam Ronald J. Woods (1935-2013)

HOUR MEDIA, LLC

CEO Stefan Wanczyk President John Balardo

OUR ADVISORY BOARD

SHELLY STAYER CHAIRWOMAN,

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

DONNA MCGINNIS

Naples Botanical Garden, president and CEO

MICHAEL WYNN

Sunshine Ace Hardware, president

CHAD JENSEN Method & Concept, CEO/creative director

VICKI BAKER

UBS Private Wealth Management, executive team assistant

CLAUDINE LEGER-WETZEL

Stock Development, vice president, sales and marketing

BRENDA MELTON

Celebrity Martini Glass Auction, founder

SHAWN MCCONNELL NCH Healthcare, marketing and communications director

ASHLEY SMITH

Aurora Investment Managers LLC, partner and portfolio manager

IGOR KOPYLOV

KARL ROUWHORST

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FROM THE EDITOR

THE 411 ON THE 239

One of the qualities I appreciate most about our area is its charm. There are few communities that offer big-city luxuries while preserving small-town appeal, but ours seems to fit the bill. It’s a treasure. And the people within our community only add to the attraction. As someone charged with identifying residents in our area with fascinating stories to share, I can attest to the surfeit of incredible individuals in the 239.

Speaking of telling stories, throughout my tenure at Naples Illustrated, I’ve always thought it important to cover the younger luminaries among us. In my opinion, we should appreciate—rather than dismiss—the frequently fresh perspectives supplied by those short in the tooth. For this reason (and many others), I’m excited to spotlight the teen golfer on our cover, Gianna Clemente. Clemente, who splits her time between Estero and Ohio and who will turn 16 this month, is light-years beyond her age when it comes to maturity, eloquence, and sophistication. As of press time, she was ranked No. 3 (girls national rankings) by the American Junior Golf Association. She has won more than 140 tournaments, is one of only two golfers (and the youngest) to qualify for three LPGA tour events on consecutive Mondays, and this past fall, participated in the Junior Ryder Cup—among numerous other accolades. For more about this extraordinary young woman and her supportive family, as well as what it takes to be a phenom on the links, flip to page 126.

In this issue, we also cover part-time Neapolitans Sam and Nada Simon. Immigrants from Iraq, the Simons are selfmade and epitomize—in my opinion—Americanism. Sam is a successful businessman, who built Atlas Oil Co., a nationwide fueling enterprise, from just one truck. Together, Sam and Nada own Simon Family Estate, a family-operated wine company based in Napa Valley that boasts the winemaking prowess of Maayan Koschitzky. Israeli born, Koschitzky has made a name for himself in Napa, working for famed Screaming Eagle and Atelier Melka. The Simons and Koschitzky have built a brand—and a close friendship—worthy of a read. Learn more about the Simons, their wines, and their relationship with Koschitzky (and his family), starting on page 134.

Finally, we push beyond the city limits to explore life east of Naples, as we delve into the Empowerment Farm, a nonprofit endeavor from Naples native Tiffany Lehman. After many years in the insurance industry, Lehman—who has always had an affinity for farm life—decided to pivot and is creating a space for individuals to connect and commune with plants and animals. The farm will be a short drive from town and accessible to the public Monday through Friday. Lehman plans to offer a range of health- and wellness-related programs, as well as partner with other nonprofit organizations and philanthropic groups. Read more about what’s sprouting on the Empowerment Farm, beginning on page 148.

It’s an honor to share the stories of the people and places that surround us here in paradise; we will never be in short supply of these in the 239. Here’s hoping you enjoy this issue that showcases a handful of incredible individuals making moves within our community and far beyond.

Jane E. Enos

jenos@naplesillustrated.com

JESSI NORVELL OF MEGAN DIPIERO PHOTOGRAPHY

not if, but when and where

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BARN DANCE

WHO: Naples Therapeutic Riding

Center WHAT: Eighteenth Annual Bootstrap Boogie Barn Dance

WHERE: Naples Therapeutic Riding

Center DETAILS: Guests enjoyed music and dancing, as well as a buffetstyle dinner, to support the mission of the nonprofit organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding services to persons with physical, social, and mental health needs.

MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated

2. Kevin and Patricia Janeway

3. Scott and Lorraine Dascani, Janice and Jim Iacovino 4. Kim McDonnell 5. Kathy Beuttel, Jane Enos, Meegan Wyatt 6. Kelly Olsen, Kristin Mascotti 7. Marcia Azar, Christy Dapfett, Missy Pasgets, Julie Fisher, Tammy Piccolo, Ginny Condello 8. Na-Ann Williams, Rachel Williams 9. Edna May Seymour and Matt Meeker

10. Martin de St. Pierre

NICK SHIRGHIO

1. Mackenzie Blue, Hunter Ciborex, Oakley Lowery, Brittany Reid

CelebratiNG Gershwin

The baker museum

George Gershwin and Modern Art: A Rhapsody in Blue

George Gershwin is widely known as a composer, songwriter and pianist, but his passion and talents extended to the visual arts as well. This landmark exhibition features paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and other artworks from Gershwin’s collection, created by Gershwin, created by noteworthy artists inspired by Gershwin and his music and much more!

On view February 10-June 16

The Baker Museum

NAPLES PHILHARMONIC

Rhapsody in Blue

Naples Philharmonic

David Robertson, conductor

Orli Shaham, piano

Schoenberg Chamber Symphony No. 1

Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue for Piano and Jazz Band

Schoenberg Five Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 16

Gerswhin Rhapsody in Blue for Piano and Orchestra

Thursday-Saturday, February 15-17

7pm prelude, 8pm performance

Hayes Hall

Tickets start at $29

The exhibition is generously sponsored by the Collier County Tourist Development Council, Commerce Trust, Roger and Kathy Marino, Waterside Shops and Jeri L. Wolfson.

The season-long celebration of George Gershwin is generously supported by the Collier County Tourist Development Council.

239-597-1900

5833

RSVP

HEALING YOUTH

WHO: Youth Haven WHAT: Luncheon

WHERE: Sea Salt, Naples DETAILS: Ingrid and Fabrizio Aielli hosted a luncheon featuring Christina Meredith, author of CinderGirl: My Journey Out of the Ashes to a Life of Hope, raising $40,000 to benefit Youth Haven.

1. Tanya Cutrone, Amy West

2. Corey Lazar, Christina

Meredith, Ingrid Aielli, Linda Goldfield 3. Lisa Ganzhorn, Lyn Paulsin 4. Katherine Chencher, Hilda Dunekacke, Kimberly Anderson, Brenda Melton, Barb Johnson 5. Jennifer Drucker, Trina

Carbonneau 6. Marie Christine

St. Pierre, Linda Goldfield 7.

Ashley Gerry, Carrie Alward 8.

Sharon Newman, Brenda Ruth Blickenstaff, Raiko Blattner, Cindy Engles 9. Shari Kapelina, Melissa Behm, Patt Erwood, Cindy Engles, Katy Tetta 10.

Carlos Escoto, Deborah Houk

HELEN WERNER

PHOTOGRAPHY

1 7 8

10

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RSVP

OPENING NIGHT

WHO: Gulfshore Playhouse

WHAT: Post-show reception with cast and crew

WHERE: Norris Center, Naples DETAILS: A festive confection of 1960s holiday hits sung in four-part harmony entertained theatergoers at a performance of Winter Wonderettes.

MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated

1. Glenda and Rich Struthers, David Drobis, Kristen Coury, Pat Sweet 2. Cast and crew of Winter Wonderettes 3. Michael Wynn, Bobbi Drobis, Laura and Leo Montgomery, Kristen Coury 4. Steven Calakos, Sarah Owens, Kamela Patton 5. Jim Jessee, Sandra Edward, Liz Jessee, Curt Edward 6. Trevor Pierce, Erin Burniston, Rosalie Burke, Dann Dunn, Grace Ellis Solomon, Lilly Kren 7. Michael Wynn, Kristen Coury, Kamela Patton, Meegan Wyatt

CHARLIE MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY

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FABULOUS FASHIONS AND LUNCH

WHO: Baby Basics of Collier County WHAT: Sixteenth Annual Fashion Show WHERE: Exclusive private club, Naples DETAILS: Volunteers modeled fashions from local boutiques to help provide diapers and kindness to the babies of low-income, hardworking families.

Ashley and Willa Hoffmeister 2. Marianna Foggin 3. Kim Friedman

4. Lee Kraus 5. Sue Reynen, Cheryl Harkins, Charlene Allen

6. Jennifer Fey, Lois Thome 7. Nora Fedelem, Jennifer Lancaster

8. Melva Borley

9. Jourdyn Bailey 10. Stacy Vermylen, Kathryn Bettis, Gail MacLachlan, Cathie Estey, Karen Lutz

11. Dawn Brown, Cassandra Hill

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2

6

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GREY OAKS 2650

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IN KYLE’S MEMORY

WHO: American Heart Association WHAT: 2023 Collier County Heart Walk

WHERE: Cambier Park, Naples DETAILS: More than $187,000 was raised at this annual walk for heart health in memory of Kyle Fernstrom and led by Shelly Church and event chairpersons Heather and Jamie Dockweiler.

1. Heather, Celie, and Jamie Dockweiler, Shelly Church 2. Garrett Hull, Shelly Church, and Naples High School basketball team 3. Everblades cheerleaders and mascot 4. Geoff Harris, Marina Dolan, Meagan Miller

5. Jon Kling, Jessaca Rodriguez

6. Rick Lademann 7. Celie Dockweiler, Veda Scheine 8. Min Kim 9. Perry Wesner, Garret Hull, Mark Wise, Jamie Dockweiler

KEVIN BIRES, MATT DENUNZIO, HEATHER DOCKWEILER

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GOLFING

FOR VETERANS

WHO: Home Base WHAT: Eighth Annual Home Base Golf Tournament and Dinner WHERE: The Nest Golf Club at Pelican Landing, Bonita Springs DETAILS: More than $350,000 was raised benefiting Southwest Florida veterans and their families at this golf tournament and dinner event.

Franks, Basil Bennett 2. Remy Regan, Sue Hamby, Shawn Bauman, Noreen Ross

3. Bonita Springs Fire & Rescue Color Guard 4. Reina Ozbay 5. Lindsey Stiefvater, David and Suzanne DeRita, Kathy Swift, General Fred Franks, Roger Morgan

6. Armando Hernandez, General Fred Franks, General Jack Hammond 7. Joe Bonlob, Kevin Libby 8. Sue Hamby, Suzanne and David DeRita, Remy Regan

JIM SERNOVITZ

1. Greg DeWitt, General Fred

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FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS

Bibliophiles have gathered for the past 21 years to listen to best-selling authors—of both fiction and nonfiction— at the Nick Linn Lecture Series. The lectures take place from January through March and are the main fundraiser for the Friends of the Library of Collier County, incorporated 65 years ago to establish and maintain a free public library system within the county.

Three authors have participated in the 2024 Nonfiction Author Series, separate from the Nick Linn Lecture Series. The fourth and final author of this year’s nonfiction series, journalist Amanda Fairbanks, will speak on March 18. Fairbanks, author of The Lost Boys of Montauk: The True Story of the Wind Blown, Four Men Who Vanished at Sea, and the Survivors They Left Behind, chronicles the offshore voyage taken by four men from Montauk Harbor, New York, in March 1984 on a commercial fishing boat. The boat disappeared, and the bodies of its crew were never recovered. Fairbanks details the disappearance of the boat and discusses how the community was deeply affected by the tragedy. Naples Illustrated asked Fairbanks a few questions about her first book; turn the page for a brief Q&A. (collierfriends.org) –Gaylene Salomons

INSIDER

THE INSIDE TRACK TO NEAPOLITAN LIVING

LORI HAWKINS

Author Amanda Fairbanks will speak at the Nonfiction Author Series in support of the Friends of the Library of Collier County.

SPOTLIGHT

FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS

(CONTINUED)

NI: Why did you choose to explore the story of the missing boat and men and write about it?

Fairbanks: I first learned of this story while working as a reporter at The East Hampton Star, a small, family-owned newspaper in East Hampton, New York. My then-editor shared the story—one that he had a personal connection to—and while he always wanted to write something about it, he felt he was too close [to the incident] to do so.

From very first conversations about the story—in particular with the captain’s widow—I felt a deep, strangely personal tie to the narrative. I felt a compulsion to tell it. I eventually became obsessed with so many facets of the story; the narrative spun out in more directions than I could have possibly predicted at the outset.

characters as if you are attempting to solve a mystery. Were you hoping to uncover new information or clues? Did you think you might solve the mystery?

While I grew up in Southern California, as soon as I landed on the East Coast for college, my soul felt like it had finally come home. I think part of wanting to tell this story was to get a better sense of the place where I decided to settle and where my husband and I are raising our two children. I now have a deep appreciation and reverence for the area’s history and its people. How long did it take to research (including any interviews), compile, and write this book?

It took more than four years from start to finish. I began reporting what became The Lost Boys of Montauk in the summer of 2017. I sold the book proposal (then-titled The Wind Blown) to my editor at Simon & Schuster in the winter of 2018. It finally came out in May of 2021.

You record the events of this tragedy while also delving into the lives of the four main

At one point, on a wall in my office, I taped up a bunch of different materials that spun out like a spiderweb—trying to piece the story together. The inciting incident, the fact that these four beautiful, young men were lost at sea, is the drama at the core of the book. As I dove into the details, I became more fascinated with getting to know how this particular foursome found themselves on the same vessel, particularly given their divergent class backgrounds, in addition to getting to know the women (the widow, the mothers, and the girlfriends) they left behind and the families forever altered as a result of never finding these lost men, to say nothing of the grief and loss that undergirds this story.

After four years and more than 100 interviews, I never really solved the case. The men were alive and making radio contact before a ferocious storm pulled them under. They simply vanished.

Will you be writing more books?

I’m currently at work on my second nonfiction book: The Last Aristocrats. Broadly speaking, it’s about Gardiners Island, a privately held island owned by the same family for 16 generations and counting.

It’s supposed to come out in the summer of 2025, but I have a lot of work ahead of me. When I sold the book, based on the first layer of reporting, I certainly underestimated not only the volume of archival material but also what it means to condense a family saga that spans some 400 years. The family that currently owns the island is apparently not pleased that I’m writing it, which certainly complicates matters since they aren’t cooperating, but it also adds to the mystery and allure of it all. –G.S.

INITIATIVE ORANGETHEORY CREATOR SHARES HER STORY

During the high season months in Southwest Florida, world-renowned business leaders are invited to share their life stories, their successes and failures, their struggles and challenges, and the lessons they learned along their paths at the NextGen Speaker Series. Michael Benson, a successful businessman himself, established the forum-style gatherings in 2013 to bring business and community professionals together to encourage leadership, mentorship, empowerment, and philanthropy.

On March 26, the last session of the 2024 season will take place over lunch with Ellen Latham, creator and co-founder of Orangetheory Fitness. Latham will share how her passion for health and fitness helped her design “The Ultimate Workout,” which became the foundation for Orangetheory Fitness, an innovative heart rate–based, interval training workout, practiced at the eponymous fitness studios.

The dynamic exercise physiologist and fitness expert, who resides on the east coast of Florida and describes herself as committed and persistent, has gone global with Orangetheory; at present, there are more than 1,500 franchised studios spanning 25 countries with more than one million members.

Following every NextGen presentation, attendees participate in an unfiltered question-and-answer period. To date, the Benson Blackburn company has hosted more than 25 events with over 4,500 attendees. (nextgennaples.com) —G.S

COURTESY OF AMANDA FAIRBANKS

GOLFING to Benefit Boys and Girls

More than $250,000 was raised at the twentieth annual Fore the Kids golf tournament held at The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek last November. The money raised will support the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County ’s programs in Naples and Immokalee, as well as seven school-based sites in Immokalee.

Chief Development Officer for the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County Jennifer Nelson was particularly grateful, saying, “Proceeds of this event are critical to supporting our mission to empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as

productive, caring, and responsible citizens.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County annually serves more than 3,500 children and teens, ages 6 to 18, through clubs and after-school programs, providing a safe place for young people to learn, grow, and develop ongoing relationships with adult mentors, through the generosity of sponsors, donors, and friends. (bgccc.com) –G.S.

Break Ground in Naples

Industry leaders, local dignitaries, architects, engineers, designers, and future owners gathered for a ground-breaking ceremony of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples. The signature waterfront enclave on Vanderbilt Beach Road—from the condominium division of Stock Development—will be the first of its kind in Naples.

The 6-acre development will feature 128 doors spread throughout five boutique buildings; amenities comprise a 22-slip marina, a park and putting green, and a 28,000-square-foot club, fitness center, and full-service spa. There will be rooftop lounges, as well as 22,000 square feet of outdoor amenities, including a resort-style

pool, a lap pool, cabana suites, and fire pits. The three-, four-, and five-bedroom homes and the penthouses will be delivered in 2026. More than $300 million in sales—with more than half of the units sold—have been reported to date.

About the Gulf-front enclave that has experienced a phenomenal response among homebuyers, Brian Stock, CEO of Stock Development, says, “Our dream for this project has been meticulously crafted and perfected over many years,” adding, “celebrating this latest accomplishment is a point of overwhelming pride.” (rcrnaples.com) —G.S.

Above left and right: participants in the twentieth annual Fore the Kids golf tournament.

CAPTAIN & CREWED CHARTERS

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FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP

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2024 53' Leopard Powercat Shares starting at $525K

COMMUNITY

ALL-STAR PICKLEBALL

RETIRED PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES CREATE MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES ON THE COURT

BY GAYLENE SALOMONS

Established in 2023, PBX Pickleball is a company with the mission to build community through shared sports experiences. It creates memorable pickleball experiences by uniting well-known retired professional athletes with amateur players and fans. Four separate experiential events took place around the country last year, with each providing the opportunity to play with retired professional athletes. In December, the Naples Pickleball Center hosted an exclusive

pro-am and tour exhibition for 30 people, where retired pros, including Michael Del Zotto, Peter Bondra, Rick Barry, and Tino Martinez, participated.

“There is nothing like the unique experience you’ll get at a PBX Pickleball event,” says Barry, an NBA Hall of Famer, who attended a PBX Pickleball training camp last

August and participated in the Naples event. “You have the opportunity to get up close and personal with former professional athletes, dining together and socializing.”

The company hopes to continue adding events nationwide as part of its outreach to athletes across major American sports. (pbxpickleball.com) «

PBX Pickleball unites retired professional athletes with amateur players and fans to create memorable moments.

COURTESY OF PBX PICKLEBALL

LITERATI

WOMEN WHO WRITE

STOCK YOUR BOOKSHELVES WITH TITLES BY FEMALE AUTHORS WITH FLORIDA TIES

BY MARY MURRAY

JENNINE CAPÓ CRUCET

Born and bred Miamian Jennine Capó Crucet’s Cuban heritage and South Florida roots have greatly influenced her writing, which includes a short story collection titled How to Leave Hialeah. On March 5, she’ll release Say Hello to My Little Friend (Simon & Schuster, $28), a Miami-centric novel described as a mashup of Scarface and Moby Dick (jcapocrucet.com)

LAUREN GROFF

Lauren Groff became the poster child for contemporary Florida writers with her 2018 short story collection, Florida, which was a finalist for the National Book Award. Last fall, the Gainesville resident released The Vaster Wilds (Riverhead Books, $28), a surrealist historical novel about a servant girl who escapes from the Jamestown colony in the winter of 1609-10. (laurengroff.com)

LADEE HUBBARD

Raised in Florida, Ladee Hubbard set her first novel, The Talented Ribkins, in cities across the state. Her 2023 release, The Last Suspicious Holdout (Amistad, $25), comprises 13 stories that offer various perspectives on an African American Southern suburban community between 1992 and 2007. (ladeehubbard.com)

CHRISTINA DIAZ GONZALEZ

Christina Diaz Gonzalez pens moving novels and graphic novels for young adults and children. One of the Miami-based author’s most recent works, The Bluest Sky (Yearling, $9), debuted in paperback last month and centers around a young boy named Héctor and his experience during Cuba’s 1980 Mariel boatlift. (christinagonzalez.com)

PATRICIA ENGEL

An associate professor of creative writing at the University of Miami, Patricia Engel garnered national attention with 2021’s Infinite Country, a novel set in Engel’s parents’ home country of Colombia. She followed that up with 2023’s The Faraway World (Simon & Schuster, $26), a short story collection that revolves around themes of migration, sacrifice, and moral compromise. (patriciaengel.com)

KRISTEN ARNETT

An Orlando resident, Kristen Arnett exploded onto the literary scene in 2019 with her best-selling debut novel, Mostly Dead Things. Her latest work of fiction is 2021’s With Teeth (Riverhead Books, $16), which is set in Florida and follows Sammie Lucas as she grapples with her complicated relationship to motherhood, her son, and her wife. (kristen arnettwriter.com)

STYLE

CURATED FINDS, LUXE ACCESSORIES, AND RUNWAY REPORTS

IT LIST

COURTESY

BY KATHERINE LANDE

1. Layer your wrists à la Iris Apfel: embellished Bakelite bangles (prices vary), Mark Davis, markdavis.com | 2. Get instant beauty cred with an editor and influencer darling: Essential Lip Compact ($88, available in four shades), Fara Homidi, farahomidi.com | 3. Invest in a bouquet that never dies: Dior Fine Jewelry Milly Carnivora ring, necklace, and earrings (all price upon request), Dior, dior. com | 4. Give the term “art walk” new meaning: Gray Malin x Stubbs & Wootton needlepoint loafers ($650, available for both men and women), Stubbs & Wootton, stubbsandwootton.com | 5. Paint your own statement-making masterpiece: white canvas baguette bag with painting kit ($4,200), Fendi, fendi.com Swiftie for life: Fantasy Football print, “morning after” tribute featuring the J. Logan Horne shirt Travis Kelce wore at Taylor Swift’s Argentina concert ($450), Donald Drawbertson, donald drawbertson.com | 7. Dress up your coffee table with a chic fashion tome: Colormania: Color and Fashion by Elizaveta Porodina and Wes Gordon ($85), Carolina Herrera, carolinaherrera.com

In Living Color

3 4 7 5 6

LOUISE AND MARIA THORNFELDT

STYLE

THE LOOK

OLD FLORIDA

COASTAL GRANDMOTHER TAKES ON NEW SARTORIAL MEANING IN THE SOUTH

BY KATHERINE LANDE

BALENCIAGA SUMMER 2024

A vintageinspired floral print looks fresh when utilized for a modern column gown.

NINE LIVES

Cat-eyed double-frame sunglasses ($480), Loewe, loewe.com

BEST BUD Necklace ($1,675), Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Naples, chanel.com

LIFE’S A PICNIC Handbag ($2,750), Valentino, Marissa Collections, Naples, valentino.com

STYLE NOTES X

BLOOMING BEAUTIES:

Opt for floral accents and chintz prints.

WOVEN WONDERS:

Wicker is the ultimate style staple.

WALK LIKE A LADY:

The slingback is the shoe of choice, both day and night.

PICK A PETAL Cloudy resin floral chandelier earrings ($480), Oscar de la Renta, Marissa Collections, Naples, oscar delarenta.com

LAST STRAW Medor Picnic wicker cuff ($1,525), Hermès, Naples,

IN THE LIMELIGHT

Raffia slingbacks with DG logo ($945), Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com

hermes.com

POWER PUMPS

FLOWER CHILD

Dior

Miss Dior bag (price upon request), Dior, dior.com

Virgule strass buckle slingback pumps ($1,750), Roger Vivier, rogervivier.com

WEST PALM NAPLES JUPITER FORT MYERS PALM BEACH WELLINGTON

THE EDIT

CARRIED AWAY

Cabata tote bag ($1,490), Christian Louboutin, christian louboutin.com

I’m currently coveting this elegant yet edgy bag for toting business and travel essentials. The structured design in black calfskin leather feels classic, while the unexpected spike embellishments provide a subtle punk twist, presenting as an ideal accessory for work or play. —Allison Wolfe Reckson, managing editor

Finishing Touches

IT’S A SHOE-IN

Origami slides ($495), Alvin Valley, alvinvalley.com

Comfort, but make it chic: Alvin Valley’s versatile and flattering Origami slides are the perfect accessory for beachwear, caftans, and everyday shift dresses, but their elegant shape will fit right in at a ladies’ lunch or charity committee meeting.

—Daphne Nikolopoulos, editorial director

GOOD AS GOLD

Triad earrings ($52), Fetutti Jewelry, fetuttijewelry.com

When it comes to accessories, I am a sucker for two things: earrings and artisan-made pieces. Wellington-based jewelry maker Fernanda Santos satisfies both with her Golden Grass Collection, created using an eco-friendly material from her native Brazil that naturally shines like gold. —Mary Murray, executive editor

BUCKLE UP

ACCESSORIES CAN MAKE OR BREAK AN OUTFIT, SO OUR EDITORS SHARE SOME OF THEIR STAR PLAYERS

Lucca belt ($720), Khatie, khaite.com

My wardrobe relies heavily upon belts, and I love the bold, asymmetrical shape—not to mention the gold hardware—of this one by Khatie, which evokes an ’80s vibe. Totally rad. —Jane E. Enos, editor in chief

MADE IN THE SHADE

Gendarme gold and amber unisex sunglasses ($820), Balmain, marissacollections.com

In Florida, sunglasses are imperative, especially for lightcolored eyes. This avant-garde pair from Balmain will keep me looking stylish while protecting my eyes from ultraviolet light.

—Gaylene Salomons,

senior editor

CLOSE WATCH

Pulse Tandem watch ($230), Breda, breda.com

I’m a creature of habit. Case in point: I have a watch tan line. When an ensemble calls for something both understated and funky, I opt for this Pulse Tandem piece, which dances between watch and jewelry. —Abigail Duffy, web editor

Jennifer

Globe cuff ($975), Fisher, jenniferfisher.com

My favorite dress-it-up, dress-it-down accessory is this gold-plated brass cuff that sits comfortably against your wrist— and draws compliments galore. Wear it solo as a statement piece or stacked with other bracelets. —Kristen Desmond LeFevre, contributing editor

BIJOUX

1 3 2 4 5 6 7 8

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BAMBOO-ZLED

NATURE MEETS ELEGANCE WITH JEWELRY EVOCATIVE OF THIS TROPICAL GRASS

BY MARY MURRAY

1. BENDING WITH THE WIND Seaman Schepps bamboo drop earrings with crystal, tsavorite, and 18-karat gold, $9,850. (seamanschepps.com)

2. ENCHANTING RHYMES Kwiat bamboo necklace with diamonds set in 18-karat gold, $14,900. Marissa Collections, Naples (marissacollections.com)

3. CROSS MY HEART John Hardy gold bamboo heart ring with diamonds set in 14-karat gold, $1,895. (johnhardy.com)

4. THE GARDEN GROWS Anita Ko bamboo ring with diamonds set in 18-karat gold, $4,375. Marissa Collections, Naples (marissacollections.com)

5. SOME LIKE IT HOT Mish Fine Jewelry Jungle Bamboo button ear clips with coral and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, $32,000. (mishfinejewelry.com)

6. LOOKING GLASS Anabel Aram Jewelry bamboo ring with mother-of-pearl and crystals set in 18-karatgold-plated brass, $110. (anabelaram.com)

7. MISSING LINK Grown Brilliance bamboo link bracelet in 14-karat gold, $680. (grownbrilliance.com)

8. THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Provident Jewelry bamboo statement earrings in 18-karat gold, $4,500. Provident Jewelry, Naples (providentjewelry.com)

9. SECOND NATURE Silvia Furmanovich neutral bamboo cuff with 18-karat gold, diamonds, rattan, and bamboo, $7,700. Marissa Collections, Naples (marissacollections.com)

THIRD STREET SOUTH

GLAMOUR & GOOD TIMES

RELAX & RENEW

Unwind into the ultimate self-care practice with these luxurious, aromatic, and soothing selections:

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris 724 Hand and Body Cleansing Gel ($80, neimanmarcus.com); Flamingo Estate Adriatic Muscatel Sage Candle, an herbaceous mix of clary sage, sagebrush, and silver thyme ($58), and Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick with Big Sur sea salt, poppy seeds, and French blue clay ($42, flamingoestate.com); AKT The Deodorant Balm SC.05 Ext. Columbia Road with notes of amber, violet, and tonka ($29), and The Assistant tool ($14, aktlondon.com); David Mallett Fresh Eau de Concombre Hair and Face Mist with hyaluronic acid ($48, Saks Fifth Avenue, Naples); Life in Lilac Heart Throb Diffuser with tranquility-inducing oud and dark amber ($35, lifeinlilac.com); Borghese Advanced Fango Delicato Moisturizing Mud Mask, infused with white honey, olive fruit, aloe, and chamomile extracts ($23, borghese.com); and Éminence Organic Skin Care Apricot Body Oil ($34, eminenceorganics.com). —Abigail Duffy

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DESIGN AND DECOR FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

AT HOME WITH...

Michael and Marsha Goldstein

DEVOTED ART COLLECTORS EXHIBIT AN EXQUISITE AND VARIED ANTHOLOGY OF WORKS—SPANNING THOUSANDS OF YEARS—IN THEIR NAPLES RESIDENCE

BY GAYLENE SALOMONS PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK SHIRGHIO

XMarsha Goldstein answers the door dressed in dynamic wearable art. Over her shoulders rests a softly flowing long silk kimono displaying images of Frida Kahlo, one of her favorite artists; her oversize pendant necklace features a portrait of the famous female. Even her shoes—with a cantilevered heel— are a unique creation.

“I love art in all its forms,” she says. At age 18, Marsha became fascinated with surrealism—a cultural movement that emerged in the 1920s in which artists depict illogical and seemingly incongruous scenes revealing a sense of the subconscious. Think: René Magritte, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí. “I really connected with it,” she explains. “Much of art is not what you think it is.”

This Chicago native majored in art in college, and although she never made it her career (she owned a company that coordinated travel and tours for 40 years), art has defined her 57-year

Devoted art collectors Marsha and Michael Goldstein and puppy Hey Jude in their great room surrounded by eclectic works of art; the first piece they purchased—the Picasso ceramic—sits to the left of center.

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marriage to Michael, an engineer.

The couple started collecting art shortly after marrying. The first piece Marsha set her eyes on purchasing was a Picasso ceramic. When she showed it to Michael, he reminded her the cost was four times their monthly rent. “It was not the right time,” she says. For her birthday that year, Michael surprised her with the piece.

Their love of art became the center of the couple’s lives and consequently their home. Art has introduced them to people and places. It has dictated their travel; they have visited countries all over the world, where they have viewed and bought art. And they are still traveling. Recent trips took them to Paris, Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, Arkansas (“where the best examples of art can be seen for free,” adds Michael), New York, two presidential libraries (in Missouri and Kansas), a wedding in Mexico, and the Getty Center in Los Angeles.

Over the years Michael and Marsha have zealously curated art, credit-

ing Ann Nathan, an owner and founder of a gallery in Chicago, with helping to nurture their collection. “So many of our pieces were meant to be,” says Marsha. She fondly details one or two works absent from their collection, calling them the “ones that got away,” but she’s not regretful. “We never buy spontaneously,” Michael adds.

At present, their collection numbers 103 pieces. Marsha has personally studied each and every one. They include such notable works as a rare blackand-white lithograph from Joan Miró, 12 Dalí lithographs, an incense burner from the Ming dynasty, a Gustav Klimt, a Magritte, interactive art, a large plaster reclining nude, and more. They also own numerous pieces of indigenous art—African, Chinese, and Japanese.

Through the seasons the couple have opened their home to art groups and especially enjoy sharing their collection with guests over cocktails—an event that often lasts for hours. Well-versed docents, Michael and Marsha take great pleasure in sharing the provenance and nuances found in each work. Marsha admits that she doesn’t just see art, she also hears it. “Art speaks to you,” says Marsha. “Art should compel you to want to know more.”

Clockwise from top left: a sculpture of coiled steel positioned on the pool deck; the Goldsteins’ art-filled living room; a life-size plaster nude reclines in the primary bedroom. Opposite page: Marsha and Michael stand beside a wooden Buddha from Cambodia near the entrance to their home.

In 2015 the Goldsteins moved to Naples. They didn’t know anyone, but when they visited the city on the Gulf, they fell in love after only five days. “We didn’t think we were Florida people,” they disclose. They quickly felt a sense of place in Naples where they could comfortably exist. “It was the most spontaneous thing we’ve ever done,” mentions Marsha.

They bought a small condo in the Vineyards neighborhood, but as Naples grew on them and as they started making friends, they upsized to a spacious single-family home, one that had the perfect proportions and features—high ceilings, wall niches, a circular foyer, and a grand outdoor setting—to display their art. Only minor changes had to be made.

They moved much of their art—63 pieces to be exact—from Illinois to Florida in crates, very carefully; 40 pieces remain at their residence in Chicago. Prior to their arrival, Mar-

sha mapped out exactly where she would hang or place each piece, based on the floor plan—ever mindful of which pieces work best together. She has not had to renege on one decision.

The couple visit The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples almost every other week and have gifted the museum with 12 pieces. This gift was unique because the Goldsteins invited the museum to select the works they most needed. “They know their collections and their gaps,” explains Marsha.

Marsha continues to serve on arts-related boards, and she and Michael have no plans to retire from their hobby or take a break from traveling. Each new day is another opportunity for the Goldsteins to engage with, enjoy, and share their collection.

“What’s truly surreal about it,” marvels Marsha, “is that we own all of these great pieces.” «

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SLEEK AND YET COZY

A NEW HOME IN A NATURECENTRIC COMMUNITY COMBINES FUNCTIONALITY WITH BEAUTY

BY MARY THURMAN YUHAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIDAGO CREATIVE

Michele and Kent Stahl planned to buy an existing home and remodel it until they happened upon a large lakeside lot at the end of a cul-de-sac in an upscale Naples community, where more than 700 acres of nature’s splendor melds with the good life.

“Sometimes I wake up and look out the window,” says Michele. “It’s like living on an island because I can’t see any other homes. It’s just beautiful.”

The two retirees (Michele, a volunteer, and Kent, a former partner with a Boston-based financial services company) contacted a contractor, Frank Jenkins, owner and president of Frank R. Jenkins Custom Homes, who has more than three decades of experience building high-end luxury homes.

With all the pieces—including a photo of a house the Stahls had seen and wanted replicated and a list of elements the couple wished

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to include from their previous homes—Jenkins assembled a trio of seasoned building professionals. The team included Richard Guzman, principal residential designer at R.G. Designs, who realized an over 6,000-square-foot one-level home with a lake view seen from every room; Arlynn McDaniel, senior lead designer at Freestyle Interiors, who enhanced the architectural structure with creative wall, ceiling, and tile details and with the overall interior design; and Christian Andrea, principal at Architectural Land Design, who designed the landscaping, the outdoor pool area, and a remarkable entranceway bordered by low fountains.

“A builder is only as good as their team, and we frequently work together,” shares Jenkins.

A list of must-haves for the Stahls included two swings on the loggia, a theater room with floors of staggered height to permit maximum visibility, and a walk-in catering kitchen directly behind the large and open family kitchen. Other requests included an exercise room and a multipurpose space, or what Michele calls “the everything room,” with Murphy beds for future grandchildren plus ample space for playing cards and ping-pong.

Inside the dramatic abode, 20 feet of pocketed sliding glass doors in the great room create a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. The designer introduced a comfortable, low-profile leather sectional sofa and two swiveling chairs in the seating area in an attempt to avoid any upstaging of the views. The formal dining area accommodates up to 10 people and features a built-in wall showcasing a large chunk of marble set amid backlit, glassdoored wine and liquor storage cabinets.

Warm walnut woods, subtle grays, and shades of blue all coexist comfortably in this five-bedroom dwelling, emphasizing the home’s Scandinavian-influenced design.

“It was a style I had not worked with before, so it was educational and eye-opening to know you can mix brown and gray,” notes McDaniel. “It was a fun project.”

Since retiring, Kent, who had much interest and input in designing the family kitchen, frequently enjoys cooking healthy meals. The chef-worthy space boasts stained cabinetry, double islands built of wood stained a blue-gray color, and floor-to-ceiling cabinets and drawers of light gray.

In the office, a partners desk (also referred to as a double desk) allows the couple to share the workspace. “Doors with glass panel inserts allow for privacy without cutting the area off from the rest of the house,” shares McDaniel.

The large primary bedroom space was challenging. “It has a set of windows, so a lot of light comes into the room,” explains McDaniel. “I didn’t

Warm walnut woods and subtle grays and blues mingle in this home’s Scandinavian-influenced design, including in the dining room (above), kitchen (top right), primary bath (right), and primary bedroom (lower right). Opposite page, from top: The negative-edge pool appears to unite the lake and pool area; two large swings hang from the center of the 1,600-square-foot loggia.

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want it to be a stark, white space. I cut down some of the light with a chenille headboard wall to add texture and acoustical value and to soak up some of the light.”

The more than 1,600-square-foot loggia—containing sitting and dining areas, as well as an outdoor kitchen space—resembles the indoor interior design, made possible with materials that can withstand the heat and humidity of Southwest Florida. The negative-edge pool appears to unite the lake and pool area together.

“When designing large homes, the biggest challenge is being sure there is continuity throughout the whole house,” says McDaniel. “I don’t like one room to look completely foreign from the rest of the house. While each space has its own character, it still has to work with the rest of the house.” «

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INSPIRED LIVING

GLAM IT UP

CONSIDER THESE FIVE KEY ELEMENTS

WHEN TRANSFORMING A BLAND CLOSET SPACE INTO AN INSPIRED GLAM ROOM

BY LIZA GRANT SMITH

THE MIRROR

1

THE STORAGE

KUKK ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN, P.A. / PHOTO: JOHN SCIARRINO WITH GIOVANNI PHOTOGRAPHY

THE SEATING

2 96 NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

A full-length mirror is critical. Position it where you have space to view the entirety of your look. The area in front of it should be clear so you have room to look from multiple angles and distances, rotate to view from all sides, and even execute a short catwalk to see how everything moves together.

For some, a glam room is where all the prep occurs before a fashionable outing. Others view it as a destination for reflection, relaxation, and perhaps a cocktail or two. How you use the space will dictate what type of seating you employ. An oversize ottoman, for example, makes for a nice aid in getting dressed, but it doesn’t encourage longer term visitation. For that, opt for a chaise lounge. When it comes to design, a more traditional piece with curves will give an air of aristocratic indulgence, while modern, squared edges will feel sleeker and better support a sense of calm. If beauty prep is on the agenda, incorporate a vanity, a comfortable chair, and an illuminated mirror.

CALIFORNIA CLOSETS

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN, P.A. / PHOTO: VENJHAMIN REYES

Introducing a New Era of Elegance: Under New Ownership

After 30 Inspiring Years!

We are thrilled to announce the dawn of a fresh chapter at Gallery One, a venerable institution steeped in 30 years of rich artistic heritage. With a legacy firmly rooted in the celebration of local talent and a vibrant spectrum of colors, we are poised to elevate your fine art experience to new heights.

4

THE LIGHTING

In terms of aesthetics, the simplest way to elevate a closet from a storage space to a livable area is to install a fabulous light fixture. Let the mood and style you wish to establish guide you toward your lighting selection. This can mean anything from a sexy Hollywood Regency–inspired gold fixture to a romantic crystal chandelier. Use lighting to set the tone and then build the rest of the space around it. Don’t forget that most people tend to think that they look better in warm lighting, so be mindful of the bulbs that you choose.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Display and organization logistics are only one part of the room’s overall personality. Look for spots where you can infuse vibrancy in the form of color, pattern, and texture. Go bold with wallpaper or furniture fabrics, and place a rug over hardwood or marble floors to add warmth and depth.

5

BIG LEAGUE: IF YOU HAVE THE LUXURY OF SPACE, SMALL BEDROOMS AND OFFICES MAKE GREAT GLAM ROOMS AND OFFER MORE POTENTIAL FOR FUN DESIGN ELEMENTS.

CALIFORNIA

Amy Moglia Heuerman

Flash Dance, 60 x 72 inches, acrylic on canvas

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ELEMENTS

PEACHY Keen

TAKE A BITE OF PANTONE’S 2024 COLOR OF THE YEAR, PEACH FUZZ, WITH DECOR THAT PLAYS OFF THE DELICIOUS HUE

BY LIZA GRANT SMITH

DARLING BUDS

Modern wall art meets botanical adoration in this Poppy flower sculpture ($989) from Phillips Collection Bay Design Store, Naples (baydesignstore.com)

AMBER FREDERIKSEN

WARM REGARDS

SET THE TONE

HIP TO BE SQUARE

Never underestimate the style impact of texture. This woven pillow ($239 for 22-inch square) from Coastal Home Pillow delivers on its own or as part of an ensemble cast. Peach Tree Designs, Naples (peachtreedesigns.com)

Designer Liz Brown of Calusa Bay Interior Design used accent colors to awaken the warm nature of this space. “The goal of this interior was to evoke a warm coastal feeling with an updated British West Indies vibe,” says Brown. “We opted for warmer wood tones and richer blues. The obvious accent was peach. It gave us just the right amount of pop while remaining warm and inviting.” Naples (calusa baynaples.com)

DREAM IN COLOR

Place settings get a pop with Mode Living’s Maldives napkins ($100 for set of four) that showcase an orange and peach ombre effect. Monogram Goods, Naples (monogramgoods.com)

Two tones go a long way in the case of the Anthropologie handcrafted Ramona wine glasses ($72 for set of four). Anthropologie, Naples (anthropologie.com)

BORDERING ON FABULOUS

With a bold border trimmed in 22-karat gold, Haviland & Parlon’s Lexington dinner plate ($95) is sleekness personified. Arabesque of Naples (arabesqueofnaples.com)

LOVE STORY

Eugeni Quitllet designed the Vondom Love chair (starting at $205), which is made from 100 percent recycled plastic from the Mediterranean Sea and suitable for indoor or outdoor use. KB Patio & Home Decor, Naples (kbpatiofurniture.com)

GRADED ON A CURVE

Pacific Coast Lighting’s curved ceramic Olivia lamp ($250) can act as a sophisticated bright spot in a space in need of elevation. Clive Daniel Home, Naples (clivedaniel.com)

DESIGNER DEFERENCE

CITY VIBES

TWO NATIVE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA DESIGNERS COLLABORATE TO CREATE A PERFECT NAPLES PENTHOUSE

BY GAYLENE SALOMONS

Fourteen years ago, Dawn Harmon, a University of Florida graduate, founded Little Palm Design Group, a full-service interior design firm, in Naples. About four years later, Kirsten Young came aboard, with a master’s in interior design from Florida International University. Although Harmon likes to say she brings the experience and Young brings the youth (no pun intended), they have established a harmonious working relationship. “We understand each other,” says Harmon.

When they work together on a project, they offer their clients a unique partnership, or as Harmon explains, “two designers for the price of one.” As both are native Southwest Florid-

MICHAELOWEN

ians, they also like to say they bring an extra layer of Naples to their designs.

One of their recent collaborations was designing the interior of a waterfront penthouse on the twenty-third floor in the third and last completed tower at Kalea Bay. Clients purchased two side-by-side units for their large family—in the pre-construction phase. They allowed their daughters to design one of them, which as the overflow pad “became the more relaxed and funkier one,” explains Young. Little Palm Design Group was commissioned to design the other—considered the main residence.

Harmon and Young became involved when

the clients began making interior selections for flooring, cabinets, and tiles, “what we call the background pieces,” says Young. There were several choices of oak flooring to choose from; their clients selected a richly colored wood. “This became the jumpstart for the project,” explains Young, skewing the design toward a more sophisticated look and luxuriant feel.

Harmon and Young also had what they considered a fabulous piece of fabric “in their back pockets” they were eager to use. “It was the perfect combination of colors—with blues, navies, teals, and a pop of orange,” mentions Harmon. The colorful cloth became the drapery panels in the great room, framing the

The interior design of this Kalea Bay penthouse was based around a rich-colored oak floor, adding elements of sophistication and luxury to the overall look.

BLAINE JOHNATHAN

PHOTOGRAPHY

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin A. Maher, SR.

AN EVENING AT NAPLES TABLES SPONSOR

William and Sandra Snyder Family Foundation

PATRON PARTY AND GRANT AWARDS

BRIEFCASE BREAKFAST SPONSOR

FineMark National Bank & Trust

SPEAKER SPONSOR

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spectacular Gulf of Mexico view.

“You never know where your inspiration will come from,” adds Harmon. “Sometimes it’s a rug or a piece of art. Once it was an embroidered washcloth a client brought me.”

Harmon and Young have designed numerous interiors at Kalea Bay, where owners

are free to personalize much of the space, such as the lanai walls. “This is innovative,” says Young, explaining that many times condo associations have strict rules about what design elements are allowed—especially outside. Both the clients and interior designers appreciate this latitude. “Realizing uniquely different looks is something we are proud of,” says Harmon. “The client gets what they ask for, and we bring our design aesthetic

and special touches to each project.” Adds Young, “The units do not all look the same, and people truly feel like they have their own unique space. We simply enhance our clients’ aspirations for their home.”

With its 10-foot ceilings—along with stark white walls contrasting rich woods and darker hues, this sophisticated space throws off major city vibes from its coastal location, especially when you look eastward from the guest rooms after the sun sets and see miles of bright city lights. (littlepalmdesigngroup.com) «

From left: stone details were added to a wall on the lanai to create a uniquely personal space; 10-foot ceilings showcase dramatic views in the primary bedroom and throughout the home.

BLAINE JOHNATHAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Crafting Dreams, Curating Spaces

JOURNEYS

YOUR PASSPORT TO THE MOST FASCINATING CORNERS OF THE GLOBE

FLOATING FANTASY

THE NEW DESIGN-RICH SEVEN SEAS GRANDEUR REDEFINES ULTRA-LUXURY CRUISING

BY PAUL RUBIO

Having debuted at PortMiami in December 2023, the freshly minted Seven Seas Grandeur delivers a study in contemporary-meets-timeless cruise ship glamour, consummated over excellence in design, gastronomy, recreation, and guest services. While Grandeur’s framework, 55,500 tonnage, and 373 all-suite, all-balcony inventory mirror its sister ships, the Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor, this newcomer resides in a league of its own, both among its siblings and the luxury cruise industry at large.

To create interiors most in tune with today’s cruising elite, Regent Seven Seas Cruises commissioned awardwinning Studio Dado, which was responsible for the top conversation-worthy public spaces on Explorer and Splendor. According to founding partner Greg Walton during a Q&A on the ship’s inaugural U.S. sailing, Grandeur presented an opportunity for Dado to “choreograph all the touchpoints” across the vessel instead of one-off spaces. Through an evolved point of view that still honors

From inset: aerial of the Seven Seas Grandeur; Compass Rose dining room.

JOURNEYS

Regent’s heritage, Dado was “able to take charge of the entire guest experience,” deliver venues that function like individual “works of art,” and showcase furnishings, accessories, and details that “speak to every individual who sails.”

Once onboard, the ship’s multisensory fantasy comes to life. The open-plan atrium at once soothes with its gold, chocolate, and earth-toned hues and invigorates through a dazzling centerpiece chandelier inspired by intertwined bangle bracelets. Panoramic glass elevators glide opposite an intricately woven, 40-foot-tall tapestry, titled The Enchanted Tree, by Brazilian artist Walter Goldfarb.

Continue to signature specialty restaurant Compass Rose, veiled by a cascading waterfall sculpture hewn with laser-cut metal and handblown glass. Behind the waterfall, discover a multidimensional dining room crowned by arches of illuminated trees and interwoven crystal leaves that play off the sun’s glow. At your table, you’ll be greeted by gilded Versace plates, a precursor to the artistic entrées that await. Another dining option is Pacific Rim. At this pan-Asian specialty restaurant, diners can whet their palates with an amuse-bouche of art—in the form of a bonsai cherry tree sculpture of bronze and glass by Savoy Studios—before settling into a seductive and enchanting double-story space cast in tinted mirrors and floral patterns.

Luxe accommodations span 15 categories and include the 4,443-square-foot Regent Suite as well as the 464-square-foot Concierge and Superior suites. In all cases, expect exercises in ocean elegance, as exemplified by the texture, dimensions, and flow of soft goods and super spacious balconies that bring

Clockwise from left: There’s no shortage of space or style in the Regent Suite; a waterfall sculpture marks the entrance to signature restaurant Compass Rose; the grand entrance to the Observation Lounge; caviar abounds—on Versace dinnerware, no less—at Compass Rose.

JACK HARDY

JACK HARDY

the outdoors in. In most suites, a clever layout sees the bed facing the balcony—optimizing sea or port views—and ample space allows for a colossal bathroom inclusive of a separate soaking tub, shower, and double vanity sinks.

Such design brilliance extends to every nook of the 10-deck vessel, which is punctuated by 1,600 pieces of fine art, including multiple Picassos and a specially commissioned Fabergé egg (titled Journey in Jewels) that resides in the ship’s atrium. It’s also matched by gastronomic greatness as evidenced in each of the seven dining outlets, where meals typically range from memorable to epic and rival land’s most lauded mainstays.

At French restaurant Chartreuse, for example, explore a menu inspired by L’Auberge du Vieux Puits, a three-Michelinstarred restaurant in Narbonne, France. At Sette Mari at La Veranda, anticipate dishes rooted in authentic Italian ingredients and recipes from the Regent culinary team’s recent immersion trip to Puglia, Italy. More casual lunches by the pool are underscored by lavish international buffets and a menu that always includes the likes of Prime burgers and hand-cut fries, ahi tuna sandwiches, and the must-try lobster nachos. An all-inclusive policy means there are no restrictions on specialty meals, beverages (including Champagne), or luxury goods—so much so that, for a typical 10-night voyage, the Seven Seas Grandeur will set sail with 1,200 pounds of lobster, 1,000 pounds of filet mignon, 20 pounds of caviar, and 1,500 bottles of Champagne.

As for recreation and other amenities, expect the same trappings as a top tropical resort, from a lounger-fringed swimming pool to a world-class spa and gym to an activities’ roster that skews sophisticated (think: lessons in French food and wine and hands-on cooking classes). Evenings do feature entertainment—a cruise ship staple—but Grandeur’s productions raise the bar, created alongside big names in theater and dance including Broadway director John MacInnis

Clockwise from left: Pan-Asian culinary delights, a bonsai cherry tree sculpture, and seductive interiors await at Pacific Rim restaurant; a stunning entrance and filet mignon at Chartreuse restaurant; a specially commissioned Fabergé egg can be found in the ship’s atrium.

and Dancing with the Stars choreographer and performer Britt Stewart. With 548 crew members and a maximum of 746 guests, the Seven Seas Grandeur provides among the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the industry, ensuring service remains top-notch and stays true to the guest-driven culture of the Regent Seven Seas brand.

For the foreseeable future, Grandeur will spend summers in Europe, falls in New England, and winters in the warmer climes of Miami, the Caribbean, and Central America on itineraries ranging from seven to 16 nights (including full Panama Canal crossings that begin in Miami and end in Los Angeles and vice versa). Following initial regional sailings in early 2024, Miami round trips will return in early November 2024 and call at numerous exciting Caribbean ports such as those in Bonaire, St. Barths, and Grenada. Meanwhile, destination highlights for Summer 2024 include Madeira in Portugal, Cinque Terre in Italy, and Santorini in Greece. But regardless of wherever she docks, the vessel stands as its own oceanfront destination and delivers a multifaceted travel experience sure to exceed the expectations of even the most discerning travelers. (rssc.com) «

Caribbean CALM

DISCOVER TROPICAL SERENITY WITH SUBSTANCE ON THE HISTORYSTEEPED GROUNDS OF DORADO BEACH, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE

BY PAUL RUBIO

A turn-of-the-century pineapple plantation developed by Laurance Rockefeller as a harbinger of eco-chic lodging in 1958, Puerto Rico’s most coveted slice of Atlantic beachfront, Dorado Beach, now stands as a Ritz-Carlton Reserve—and the island’s finest resort.

Opened in 2012 and refreshed in 2018 following Hurricane Maria, the 1,400-acre playground comprises a collection of nine two-story masterpieces reflecting Rockefeller’s original architectural vision. Together, they house 96 accommodations, the majority of which are oceanfront suites that

overlook one of two golden-sand beaches, aptly named East and West. Second-story guest rooms deliver dreamy Caribbean vistas through elegantly appointed balconies, while the ground-level units’ private plunge pools segue between modish, uncluttered interiors and unspoiled natural surrounds. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open completely, allowing the lapping waves and swaying palm trees to become one with the suites. Also on property are several multi-bedroom villas and residences located across a series of newly constructed buildings.

QUICK TRIPS

Waterfront dining and golfing, ocean views, beach-meets-swimming-pool bliss, and en-suite serenity beckon at Puerto Rico’s Dorado Beach.

COURTESY OF DORADO BEACH, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE

JOURNEYS

Walking trails wind through the sprawling open-air resort, cloaked in towering jungle foliage and abundant gardens (enough to require a maintenance staff of 560). Dividing the property between its east and west wings is a serene, Asian-inspired pavilion fortified by coral-stoned walls and anchored by lily pad–strewn reflecting ponds. From the pavilion, wooden walkways lead to a collective of Dorado Beach’s common spaces, including an oceanfront swimming pool and waterfront restaurants Coa and Posi+Ivo Sand Bar.

At Coa, anticipate a mix of Spanish cuisine, Puerto Rican influences, and steak house–style favorites, resulting in

a menu that includes Caribbean lobster thermidor, Wagyu tenderloin, and red snapper wrapped in plantain leaves with coconut ginger rice. At Posi+Ivo, feast on seafood specialties and panAsian cuisine—including excellent sushi platters—while dipping your toes in the sand. Opened in May 2023, Italiancentric Flor de Sal is the latest addition to the resort’s culinary lineup, featuring savory dishes cooked over flavored salt blocks. At any of these food outlets, consider starting or ending with a neat pour of Ron Del Barrilito Autobiografia, an ultra-premium, 27-year-old rum bottled exclusively for Dorado Beach by Puerto Rico’s most time-honored rum brand.

Dorado Beach’s central tenets of escapism and relaxation are at their most palpable at Spa Botánico, a 5-acre wellness destination built into the remains of the pineapple fields. A colossal, 150-year-old ficus welcomes at Botánico’s dramatic entrance, where aromatic hanging gardens give way to an ornamental pool and then row after row of pineapple crowns. The ruins of the plantation’s sugar mill have been upcycled into a must-see hydrotherapy circuit—rife with hot and cold plunge experiences—and the spa’s treatments are rooted in indigenous knowledge and the use of local botanicals.

In other areas of the property, indulge in the beloved fun-in-the-sun enticements that are all but requisite at elevated Caribbean resorts, as well as more unique eco-minded activities through Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. A favorite among families is the Coqui Experience, an interactive night walk where participants learn about Puerto Rico’s famous singing frogs and witness their lullabies. (ritzcarlton.com) «

Clockwise from bottom left: Spa Botánico up close and from above; waterfront dining at Coa and Posi+Ivo

COURTESY OF DORADO BEACH, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE

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JOURNEYS

FLORIDIANA

BIRD OF PARADISE

FLAMINGO LODGE DELIVERS EVERGLADES WILDLIFE AND CREATURE COMFORTS IN EQUAL MEASURE

BY KRISTEN DESMOND LEFEVRE

Florida is known for its must-visit getaways. Folks from far and wide flock to our state in search of sun, fun, and all the things that make Florida, well, Florida. So, when you learn that The New York Times listed only one Floridian location on its venerable “52 Places to Go in 2024” list, you’re likely inclined to think that the publication’s editors would have selected one of our luxe, pedigreed resort destinations.

Think again. Flamingo, Florida (and its newly reopened Flamingo Lodge), located 40 miles west of the Homestead entrance to Everglades National Park, is the only Sunshine State location named among bucket-listworthy places like Paris, Maui, and Singapore.

Chalk it up to the spot’s unrivaled natural beauty and the unique experiences offered there. Set in the heart of the Everglades at the southernmost tip of the state’s peninsula, Flamingo Lodge is the national park’s only hotel, replacing the 1950s-era lodge that bore the same name and was destroyed by a series of hurricanes in 2005.

Constructed from eco-friendly shipping containers, the lodge boasts 24 rooms elevated on pilings to withstand sea level rise. Its restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it will even cook up your own fresh catch—grilled, fried, or blackened. There’s also a wine and beer program in partnership with Redlands-area wineries and breweries, resulting in the perfect spot to kick back over views of the Florida Bay with a refreshing tipple after a long day of adventuring.

Whether you’re a birder, a boater, or simply someone looking to get

to know the Glades up close and personal, Flamingo Lodge lets visitors of all stripes connect with the famed River of Grass in comfort. At the Guy Bradley Visitor Center next door, learn about Florida’s natural treasures and sign up for ranger-guided bird walks, mangrove marches, bicycle rentals, kayaking outings, and boat tours of the backcountry and Florida Bay—where you’re guaranteed to spot everything from saltwater crocs and manatees to osprey, anhingas, and more. Don’t miss the center’s nighttime stargazing sessions: Flamingo is the darkest part of South and Central Florida that’s reachable by car, and on a clear night, you can glimpse 1,500 stars or more. Compare that to the 30 or so that are visible on a good night in Miami, and you can see why Flamingo Lodge is the newest bright spot in the constellation of places that should be part of your bucket list. (flamingoeverglades.com/flamingo-lodge) «

Clockwise from above: Flamingo’s skies are some of Florida’s darkest, offering ideal stargazing sessions; the rooms at Flamingo Lodge are perched atop pilings; anhingas dot shoreline trees; Flamingo Lodge’s adjacent restaurant; a mangrove thicket thrives in Florida Bay.

GILBERTSON PHOTOGRAPHY

BONNIE BARNES

FLAMINGO EVERGLADES ADVENTURES

JOURNEYS

THIGH ROAD

BLUES TRAVELER

EXPRESS YOURSELF IN A NEW ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST PAINTED A HEAD-SPINNING SHADE OF ELECTRIC BLUE

BY HOWARD WALKER

he phrase “When you got it, flaunt it” became popular in the late 1960s thanks to the now long-defunct Braniff Airways. In a series of somewhat quirky ads, Braniff paired famous celebs of the time (like boxer Sonny Liston and artist Andy Warhol) to extol the virtues of flying the airline. The spot with Salvador Dalí and Yankees pitcher Whitey Ford was hilarious.

grabbing coloring, how about a set of retro whitewall tires? When was the last time you saw whitewalls? If my memory serves me right, it was on a ’78 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz.

This colorful concoction is what happens when you purchase a new Ghost then take a trip to Merrie Olde England to visit Rolls’ Bespoke personalization department. Here, a team of creative types will help you build the car of your dreams, with essentially nothing off limits. Pink paint to match your pet poodle? Not a problem. A diamond-encrusted dashboard? Just ask.

Right now, I’m flaunting it behind the wheel of a brand-new RollsRoyce Ghost painted a retina-searing shade called Galileo Blue— which is a $16,350 option on top of the Ghost’s $353,850 base price. If that wasn’t flaunting it enough, the interior is lined in a shade of robin’s-egg blue dubbed Charles Blue, surely selected by King Charles himself. For the final flourish of attention-

As you might expect, driving a Rolls-Royce Ghost this inherently showy is not for anyone seeking anonymity. There’s something about that shimmering Greek temple–like grille, that winged Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, those rear-hinged coach doors. A Beyoncé sighting at Bergdorf’s wouldn’t attract this much gawking.

But to drive it is to adore it. Here is a car that turns even the shortest commute into an occasion. Just envision yourself perched behind that beautifully crafted wheel, gazing down that mile-long hood (which was painted a contrasting silver in our test car), and looking up to see stars, literally, in the Ghost’s sparkly Starlight headliner.

Maybe it’s the sheer smoothness of the ride from the Ghost’s so-

called Planar system, featuring the world’s first double-damper suspension. It works on the premise that if the main damper doesn’t totally absorb the bump, there’s a second to sweep it up.

Then there’s the Ghost’s whisper-quiet, turbine-smooth 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 delivering 563 galloping horses and a mighty 627 lb-ft of torque. It’s enough to thrust this luxury heavyweight from standstill to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

Enjoy it while you can because the big 12-cylinder might not be long for this world. Rolls-Royce has already made a pledge to go all-electric by 2030, and the newly launched electric Spectre only highlights how battery power enhances Rolls-Royce smoothness and refinement. After having driven the Spectre coupe, this latest Ghost does make itself heard by comparison, especially under foot-to-floor acceleration. The Ghost is far from vocal—it’s just that the Spectre is ethereally hushed.

Of course, you might want to let your chauffeur do the driving. Good choice, because sitting in the back has to be one of the finest ways to travel, second only to a flagship Rolls-Royce Phantom

V FOLLOW HOWARD WALKER’S THE WHEEL WORLD BLOG ON NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM

or a Gulfstream jet. Let your toes sink into the shearling wool floor mats, crank up the 18-speaker stereo, and break open the Bollinger.

POWER FILE

PRICE: $353,850/$419,750 AS TESTED ENGINE:

6.75-LITER TWIN-TURBO V12 POWER: 563 HP TORQUE: 627 LB-FT TRANSMISSION:

8-SPEED AUTOMATIC 0-60: 4.6 SECONDS TOP SPEED: 155 MPH LENGTH/WIDTH: 218/85 INCHES WEIGHT: 5,628 POUNDS WHY WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE IF YOU WANT TO FLAUNT IT, THIS IS THE CAR TO HAVE. IN GALILEO BLUE, NATURALLY.

No, you won’t find a 31-inch, 8K, drop-down TV screen like the one offered in the back seat of BMW’s latest 7 Series, or reclining rear seats with powered footrests like those that come with a Mercedes-Maybach S 680 or even a Genesis G90. What you will be privy to is perfection, with a level of quality and craftsmanship unparalleled in any other car. And when you have that, you definitely want to flaunt it. «

BY HOWARD WALKER

The downside of penthouse living is that your penthouse stays put. Want to travel somewhere fun? You’ll have to get on a plane and check into a hotel, leaving your penthouse, well, at home.

How cool would it be to have a five-star penthouse that you can take with you? The possibilities are endless: Florida or the Bahamas in the winter, the Hamptons or Maine in the summer.

That’s the thinking behind British yacht builder Sunseeker’s brand-new, 89-foot Ocean 182 mini-superyacht, which boasts four fabulous staterooms, a huge saloon, an upper sky lounge, and acres of outdoor space for soaking up rays. Of course, that’s the premise with pretty much any modern superyacht. But this sleek, sexy Sunseeker (priced beginning at around $10 million) offers a new level of usable, flexible interior space in a relatively compact, sub-100-foot size.

The design of the Ocean 182 is based on Sunseeker’s successful Ocean 90 open flybridge model that was introduced in 2020. But discussions with current and prospective

owners, particularly here in Florida, revealed a change in how they wanted to use their yacht. While the Ocean 90’s open flybridge is perfect for alfresco entertaining and enjoying the great outdoors, the rising summer heat and humidity resulted in requests for an Ocean 90 with a fully enclosed, air-conditioned flybridge. Presto, the Ocean 182 was born.

It’s not 182 feet bow to stern. That number comes from the yacht’s gross tonnage, or GT, which is the industry yardstick for internal volume. As the Ocean 182 is all about increased interior space, Sunseeker thought it was apt to use the definition. It’s also a way of setting it apart from the Ocean 90.

The key change here is that enclosed sky lounge. Take the gorgeous, spiraling, stainlesssteel staircase from the saloon up to this glass-

filled nest and you’ll find sprawl-out sofas, a big-screen TV, and a small galley. It’s perfect for movie nights in air-conditioned bliss.

Slide open the near-full-width glass doors at the stern to arrive at a private terrace with more sofas or an optional hot tub. Up here in the sky lounge is where the captain steers, in a forward helm station that’s been relocated from the lower saloon. That space below is now reserved for the well-equipped galley and dining area with seating for eight.

What’s so spectacular about this new

Ocean is that it really does have the look and feel of an ultramodern penthouse. Take the main saloon, with its floor-toceiling windows, freestanding furniture in 50-shades-of-gray fabrics, engineered-wood floors, and smoked-eucalyptus cabinets. Plus, there’s more than 7 feet of headroom throughout.

If you want to relax in the sun, open those sliding glass doors and there’s a huge cockpit deck with steps down to an oversize beach club. The bow has sofas and sun pads galore.

When it comes to sleeping, flexibility is the name of the game. Below decks there are four big cabins, with the headliner being the full-beam owner’s suite amidships. It’s close to one of the two guest cabins, which Sunseeker can easily convert into a workout room, office, or den. For VIP guests, there’s a forward suite (with a dedicated staircase for privacy) that just might be as luxurious and spacious as the primary.

As with the Ocean 90, the 182 is offered with twin MAN V12 diesels, either the 1,650-hp version or more popular 1,900hp model, both coupled to V-drives. With the bigger motors, you’ll see a 27-knot top speed, with near-silent cruising at 20.

There’s no shortage of competition in this 80-to-90-foot superyacht sector. But none has the Sunseeker’s interior volume and use of space. Think of it as a true penthouse for the seas. «

POWER FILE

PRICE: FROM $10 MILLION

LENGTH: 88 FEET, 11 INCHES

BEAM: 23 FEET, 6 INCHES

WEIGHT: 181,440 POUNDS

ENGINES: TWIN MAN 1,650

OR 1,900 V12S TOP SPEED: 27 KNOTS WITH 1,900 HP

WHY WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE IT BOASTS ENOUGH SPACE AND STYLE TO PUT ANY MIAMI PENTHOUSE TO SHAME.

Katie Kohn

Kayla

Richmond Beth Vogelsang

in the Z NE

A SOUTHWEST FLORIDA TEENAGER APPROACHES THE GAME OF GOLF WITH AN UNCOMMON FOCUS AND PERSISTENCE THAT DRIVES HER GREATNESS

BY SHELDON ZOLDAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK SHIRGHIO

the world’s most prestigious women’s amateur tournaments, an event dominated by college golfers.

During their conversation, Rice asked Clemente, “What class are you?”

“I’m a freshman,” Clemente answered.

“At what college?” Rice asked.

“I’m actually a freshman in high school; I don’t go to college yet,” Clemente replied.

“She was very shocked to say the least,” Clemente explains when retelling the story.

Clemente, who turns 16 this month, has been shocking the golf world for a decade, besting golfers much older than her. “She’s been proving age is just a number for a really long time,” says her mom, Julie.

Gianna won her first tournament when she was just 5 years old. She qualified for the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship

Shot on location at Bonita Bay Club’s Cypress Course, Naples

Gianna Clemente, who turns 16 years old this month, has been defeating golfers much older than her for several years. She qualified for three LPGA events on consecutive Mondays, one of only two golfers and the youngest ever to accomplish this feat.

when she was 11, and she was the youngest winner of the American Junior Golf Association Ping Invitational at the age of 13. Even more impressive, she qualified for three LPGA tour events on consecutive Mondays when she was 14—only one of two golfers (and the youngest ever) to do that. And this year, Gianna is part of the Curtis Cup 12-member practice squad. She’s the youngest on this year’s squad and the second-youngest golfer ever to be selected.

“I think her potential is unlimited,” says Jay Burton, part of the team at WME/IMG, who represents her. Burton has no definitive answer regarding what makes her special. Maybe she was born that way, he notes.

Indeed, Gianna was exceptional from the time she was an infant. She hung out with her dad, Patrick, on putting greens when she was 18 months old. She never played with dolls and has loved sushi— still her go-to meal—since age 2. She started singing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at age 2 also, performing it at a minor league baseball

game and a hockey match when she was 5.

Until she was 9 years old, she participated in other sports; then, she decided to contain herself to the links.

“When I was 9 or 10 it came into my mind, maybe I’m a little good at this,” Gianna recounts. “Slowly, I started playing more events every year, and playing in all those events and the competitiveness turned into a love for the game.”

Competitiveness, focus, and maturity define Gianna. She inherited at least some of her competitive edge from her parents. Patrick played golf at Youngstown State University in Ohio, where her mom was a cheerleader.

“It’s really with her,” Patrick says. “She’s a firecracker about everything she does.”

Gianna hates to lose at anything, her mom relates, but she has developed more patience and resiliency.

Burton noted her determination last fall when he invited Patrick

Gianna is motivated and defined by competitiveness, focus, and maturity uncommon for someone her age. She spends (on non-tournament weeks) about 25-30 hours per week practicing. On average, she drives the ball 255 yards, and her average 7-iron shot sails 155 yards. In competitive play, she has had three holes in one, with the most recent taking place in the 2024 Sally Women’s Amateur.

THE GIANNA CLEMENTE FILE

BORN: MARCH 28, 2008

HOMETOWN: EIGHT MONTHS OF THE YEAR IN ESTERO; FOUR MONTHS IN WARREN, OHIO

HOME COURSES: BONITA BAY, AVALON LAKES

BEST 18-HOLE ROUND IN COMPETITIVE PLAY: 63

AVERAGE DRIVE OFF TEE: 255 YARDS

HOLES IN ONE IN COMPETITIVE PLAY: THREE

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PRACTICING EACH WEEK: 25-30 HOURS

“ [GIANNA’S] BEEN PROVING AGE IS JUST A NUMBER FOR A REALLY LONG TIME.”

JULIE CLEMENTE

and Gianna to stop at a restaurant to watch a Cleveland Browns football game following a Sunday morning practice session at Bonita Bay Club’s east facility.

Burton didn’t think much of it when Gianna’s head was buried in her cell phone. He figured she was a typical teenager. Then, Gianna started showing something on her device to her dad. “[At first,] I had no idea what she was showing him,” Burton explains. “It was her golf swing from that morning.”

After the meeting with Burton, Gianna convinced her dad to return to the course to work on her swing, promising to work exceptionally hard on schoolwork when they returned home.

“I’m thinking to myself: ‘who is this girl?’ This is not normal,” Burton adds.

But normal isn’t a word to describe Gianna. She was about 5 years old when she saw the 2013 documentary The Short Game about youngsters playing for the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship. She told her parents she was going to play in it. She did more than that; she won it twice (in 2015 and 2018).

She was about 10 when she learned about the Junior Ryder Cup. For several days, she went around telling her parents she wanted to make that team when she was old enough, displaying pictures in her bedroom of Rome, where the match was to be played, and other Ryder Cup reminders.

“It was how I reminded myself to keep going, to keep working,” she mentions. She made the team and played in Rome this past September.

“She just seems to be able to focus on those goals; that is amazing for somebody that young,” tells Lauren Collins, a resident of Bonita Bay, where Gianna practices and often plays.

Condoleezza Rice can be excused for mistaking Gianna for a college student. Physically, she’s a sturdy 5 feet, 5 inches, and she blends in with her college opponents. It’s her maturity that seems

Accomplishing a longtime goal, Gianna participated in the 2023 Junior Ryder Cup, held in Rome, Italy. She also played in the Ping Junior Solheim Cup in Spain this past September.

“ FOR AS FIERCE AND COMPETITIVE SHE IS AS A P YER ON THE COURSE, SHE IS ABOUT AS GOOFY AND FUN OFF THE COURSE; THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT SIDES THAT MAKE IT REALLY FUN.”

—PATRICK CLEMENTE

to set her apart.

“Her personal skills are so developed,” Collins says. “The way she interacts with adults is amazing.”

Gianna believes some of that is from being interviewed by media at a very early age. She’s been asked the same questions so many times her answers sound like they’ve been rehearsed, she thinks.

Some of her maturity comes from being an only child and spending plenty of time with adults. Her mom calls her “an old soul.”

Julie makes sure Gianna, who is an online student at a private Christian academy, is keeping up with her classes. While Gianna would rather be hitting golf balls than hitting the books, she boasts a 4.0 grade point average.

“If she is going to do something, she isn’t going to do it halfway,” her mom explains.

Mom and daughter have their share of fun, too. They love country music and Taylor Swift; they took in a Morgan Wallen concert together and saw Swift when she performed in Tampa last summer.

“I am very close to both my parents,” Gianna notes, “but especially my dad. We’ve spent many years together on the range and putting green together—so much time we’re almost the same person.”

When Patrick, a regional vice president for Hubbell Utility Solutions, isn’t working, he’s serving as Gianna’s coach and caddy. He has learned to separate his role as dad and coach. “When on the range and coaching and doing work we keep it at that,” he says. “She respects that, too.”

Their time together isn’t all work, however. They love to laugh and goof off. In fact, Julie calls them “Dumb and Dumber.”

“For as fierce and competitive she is as a player on the course, she is about as goofy and fun off the course; there are two different sides that make it really fun,” Patrick says.

Supporting a golf prodigy is not cheap. There are airplanes, hotels, dinners, clothing, equipment, and entry fees to pay for. Signing multiple name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals in 2023 has helped. So far, Titleist, Footjoy, and French company Amundi have hopped

on the Gianna Express.

She caught Burton’s attention in August 2022 when she qualified for three LPGA events in a row. He had no plans to start a division signing amateurs to NIL contracts. “I thought to myself, this young lady is going to be a world leader,” he says. “I don’t want to wait until she’s a pro.”

Patrick says that, as Gianna becomes more independent, he is stepping back. She has two years to decide if she will attend college or turn pro. College coaches will be allowed to contact her in June, when she finishes her sophomore year; then, the recruiting trips begin.

She’s also changing her tournament schedule. She won’t play in as many junior amateur events. “You can’t play the same events over and over and think that’s going to make you better,” Patrick says.

While the tournament schedule is evolving and big questions about her future are pending, one thing remains the same for Gianna: her drive.

“I’ve probably gained more motivation since last year,” Gianna says. “This is all I want to be doing; that hasn’t changed at all.” «

Gianna’s father, Patrick, a former collegiate golfer at Youngstown State University, serves as her coach and caddy.

Above: Gianna holds an invitation to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, which she played in last year. At 15, she was the youngest golfer among the 72-player field.

Bottling the

For the Simon family, making and sharing wine are acts that bring people together

BY KAREN FELDMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK SHIRGHIO

Shot on location at Bay Colony Beach Club and the residence of Sam and Nada Simon, Naples

There’s nothing accidental about making exceptional wine. It requires the knowledge to pair the right terroir and grape varieties, the good fortune to have ideal weather, and the patience to nurture the vines lovingly as they coalesce into something greater than the sum of their parts.

It was a similar process that created the fruitful bond between part-time Naples resident Sam Simon, who owns Simon Family Estate in Napa Valley alongside his wife, Nada, and Maayan Koschitzky, a highly respected wine-

maker who crafts the estate’s much-lauded wines.

Simon Family Estate produces about 1,500 cases a year of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Sauvignon Blanc and rosé.

Theirs may seem an unlikely pairing: Simon whose family arrived in the United States penniless from Iraq in 1973, and Koschitzky, an Israeli who spent more than four years on active duty in the Israeli army and remains in the reserves.

Part-time Naples residents Sam and Nada Simon own Napa Valley-based Simon Family Estate, which produces about 1,500 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and rosé each year.

SUZANNE BECKER BRONK

Although differences are obvious, Simon and Koschitzky see what they have in common: their modest upbringings, immigrant backgrounds, parents who taught them to work hard, their enormous zeal to make great wine, and their mutual belief that wine brings people together.

Their relationship, like the wine they produce, has developed and matured over time.

Nurturing Friendship

As Koschitzky tells it, the men met in 2017 through a mutual friend who invited the winemaker and his wife to dinner with unnamed hosts, who also requested that Koschitzky bring “wine that inspires you.”

“That’s interesting,” Koschitzky recalls thinking. “Not knowing who it was, my wife said no. But I was curious.”

On the designated evening, he arrived at the opulent Meadowood Napa Valley resort and was escorted to a villa, where he met Sam and Nada Simon. “We tasted wines together, talked about life, about our stories,” Koschitzky says. “We had an amazing time. Then, Sam said he really wanted to meet my wife.”

Two weeks later, the Simons extended another dinner invitation. This time Koschitzky and his wife accepted, and a deep friendship began to take root. Over the next two years, the families spent much time together, talking about wine in general

and enjoying one another’s company. “Sam is larger than life,” Koschitzky says. “He’s the warmest person, so open, so generous. They love their success but don’t forget they came from nothing. They love sharing.”

Sam feels much the same. “When you meet a good winemaker, it’s an easy, quick match,” he says. “We have great DNA together. He’s like a brother to me.”

Even now, as the business thrives and both are involved in multiple other projects requiring their attention, they make it a point to spend time together with their families. “If we spend four days together, we have four dinners together,” Koschitzky says. “We have dinner with the kids as well. Life is short.”

While tasting wine together gives them pleasure, they also

SUZANNE BECKER BRONK

RACHEL WEILL

share a desire to spread that joy more broadly. “I love sharing wine with people,” Koschitzky says. “It’s bringing people together and making people happy.”

The Simons came to the wine business the way so many do: Sam became enamored with wines after colleagues introduced him to a Cabernet Sauvignon that mesmerized him. That began the couple’s travel to celebrated wine locations—including Napa Valley, France, Argentina—where they sampled more wines and learned more about the grapes and the industry.

While attending the Naples Winter Wine Festival in 2001, one thing led to another, and Sam found himself a part of The Napa Valley Reserve, a private club whose members share a passion for fine wine in Napa Valley.

Over time, he learned of Koschitzky, who had worked at renowned Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle Vineyards and with highly regarded winemaker Philippe Melka.

Koschitzky earned a degree in mechanical engineering and came from a farming family. “The family ran from the Holocaust to Israel,” he says. “They were proud of the Jewish country and worked the land. That’s how we were raised.”

He wanted to do something that involved the land but didn’t want to go into conventional farming. He devoted himself to viticulture (the study of growing grapes) rather than oenology (the study of making wine); however, he gravitated to the winemaking side. “I’ve found what I love,” he says. “Every time I start a new project, it gets me excited.”

After getting to know one another for a couple of years, Sam told

Inset: Sam and Nada enjoy the serenity of Naples living.

Opposite page from top: Simon Family Estate sources grapes from elite vineyards; winemaker Maayan Koschitzky and Sam and Nada toast to success.

Koschitzky he would like to build a wine brand with the winemaker’s help. They released their first wine in 2019 and have been slowly and strategically adding to their line each year.

Special Handling

The company produces wine using grapes grown in “pedigreed vineyards with history and heritage, although all are not well-known,” according to the winery’s website. Most are family-owned and are older, established vines. They source their grapes from vineyards Koschitzky hand selects from throughout the Napa Valley, and they use French oak barrels for aging.

Sam says they craft wines that “last longer so people can drink them now but can also drink them for 10 or 15 years. They’re not as heavy or fruity, but they’re not too oaky, either.”

The theme of family resonates throughout the language and operation of Simon Family Estate, starting, of course, with the name. Then there are two (of a total of four) Simon Cabernets paired together called Double Blessings, individually known as Peter and Michael.

After difficulties conceiving, the Simons had twins Peter and Michael, after whom the wines are named. Each wine reflects that son’s personality. Michael is more tannic and structured while Peter has a sweeter tannin structure and undertones of Christmas spices.

The rosé, named Tigress, came about when Nada requested something lighter that she could drink on its own. Koschitzky says he is focused on further developing the Simon family brand.

“How can we build a brand that the whole family can connect to?” he asks. “When they are older and have their own families, this will be something that will bring them together.”

On the War

It’s been 50 years since 9-year-old Sam Simon left Iraq with his family and little else. Over the years, most of their relatives came, too. Nada left Iraq as an orphan at 13, settling in Michigan with an uncle. The couple have lived in the United States longer than anywhere else and consider it home.

Nonetheless, watching the war raging in the Middle East now “is hard

Inset: Even though they are both involved in multiple other projects, Koschitzky and Sam, close friends, make it a point to spend time together, often with their families alongside.

Opposite page: Simon Family Estate produces four Cabs, including Double Blessings.

to see,” Simon says. “Human beings are human beings, no matter their religion. It’s especially hard to see the kids, the families displaced.”

Sam and Nada Simon live in Naples from November until May. They also have a home in Michigan. Sam is involved in the myriad business ventures of Simon Group Holdings, including Atlas Oil Co., which he founded at age 19 and grew from a single truck, and Simon Sports, a firm he and son Peter started that invests in sports teams, tech, and media.

They are conscious of the good fortune they have had.

“When you are blessed, you need to bless other people— children, veterans,” Nada says. “I have always felt that as immigrants we are blessed to be in this country. We respect the brave men and women who protect us every day.”

Sam says, “We came from a country with so many problems. We remember where we came from. When we give back, it brings us joy.”

“Wine is sharing,” he adds. “Good wine helps people to come together. Love goes a long way. Love your neighbor. Share some wine.” «

SUZANNE BECKER BRONK

SUZANNE BECKER BRONK

IN THE AIR

Pastels and power suits are back en vogue thanks to the fortieth anniversary of MIAMI VICE

Photography by RIOCAM

TONIGHT

Left: Victoria Beckham orange suit; Balmain tank.

Right: Ralph Lauren pink blazer For buying information, turn to page 199.

Fashion editor: Katherine Lande

Shot by Naples Illustrated on location at We Are Curated, Miami

“

It’s just like life. You just gotta keep telling yourself, no matter how hot it gets, sooner or later there’s a cool breeze coming in.”

The Attico suit; Jade Swim swimsuit; Jimmy Choo heels. For buying information, turn to page 199.

Left: Michael Kors Collection turquoise suit; Jimmy Choo heels.

Right: Stella McCartney pink suit; Jimmy Choo heels. Opposite page: The Attico midi dress

For buying information, turn to page 199.

Lafayette 148 white suit; Jade Swim swimsuit.

Opposite page, left: Michael Kors Collection beige suit; Fendi heels. For buying information, turn to page 199.

Models: Ariana Caride; Nicole Whittaker, The Source Models, Miami.

Hair: Eddy de la Rena, Artist Management using Amika Haircare

Makeup: Taryll Atkins, Artist Management using Shiseido

f you travel 15 miles east of Naples to White Boulevard and wend your way south to Garland Road, you will find a property with an auspicious name: Empowerment Farm. This special sanctuary—in its nascence—exists because Tiffany Lehman was brave enough to follow her dreams.

Born and raised in Naples, Lehman, a 1998 Community School of Naples graduate, attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, earning a degree in gerontology. While studying there, she met her husband, Al Lehman. In 2007, after Al completed veterinary school, the couple, along with their 1-year-old daughter, Kiersten, moved to Naples. Shortly thereafter, their second daughter, Sammy, was born.

As a child, all Tiffany wanted to do was “farm and ride horses.” With a sister as her only sibling, “I was my dad’s tomboy,” she says. Her parents were both State Farm Insurance agents, and Tiffany swore she would never go into the business. However, in 2009, Tiffany reneged on her vow when, along with her mom, she started her own company—Insurance Source of Naples. Over the years, Tiffany grew to love her clients and her team, yet she always felt there was more she wanted to do in life. She met with her financial advisor and hatched a plan to sell her business within three to five years.

“It happened in six months,” recalls Tiffany. Shortly after her financial advisor mentioned he knew someone who might be interested in buying her successful insurance operation, an offer was presented with the deal scheduled to close on October 30, 2022—but Hurricane Ian disrupted the plans. Tiffany’s heart sank. In the end, however, the buyer was still interested and only delayed the official purchase date one month, even though his own house was flooded. He also promised to retain her loyal office staff.

With the sale of the business completed, Tiffany was ready to start a new venture. She admits she had long harbored a vision to start a nonprofit. One day, while driving with her husband on Alligator Alley, Tiffany shared her plans aloud. “He didn’t swerve off the road,” she says with a laugh. Rather, Al concurred that Tiffany’s vision aligned with who she is and what she loves most in life. “I was raised in a very philanthropic family; I remember delivering meals to those in need and was always pulled to nonprofits. I also have a strong connection to farms,” she explains.

Committed to following her dream, Tiffany asked her longtime employee and office manager, Ashleigh Ebrite, if she would join her in the farm’s develop-

ment. Ebrite graduated from college with a degree in zoology and had amassed years of horticulture experience. Without a moment’s hesitation, Ebrite jumped on board as co-founder. Eventually, she will take on a full-time paid position with the nonprofit.

Tiffany also began reaching out to trusted friends and business colleagues about her plans. One was Missy Lamont, whom she knew through the Naples Therapeutic Riding Center. Lamont was the execu-

tive director when Tiffany served as a board member for the nonprofit organization. “When Tiffany shared her vision, I immediately loved it,” remembers Lamont. “Tiffany sold her business to make the farm possible. She’s so willing to take advice from others,” she says, believing that “because Tiffany has opened her arms to the community, [Empowerment Farm] will thrive.” Lamont accepted a position on the farm’s board, saying, “I am thrilled to stand alongside Tiffany, our visionary leader. We are not just starting a nonprofit; we will be nurturing dreams within our community.”

Nina Gray, former CEO of Avow Hospice and later of the Neighborhood Health Clinic, also joined the board. Gray, who had started her own nonprofit—the Collier Resource Center—after retiring, had ample experience to share. She believes that Tiffany “truly understands the importance of connecting with one another, with animals, and with nature,” noting that Empowerment Farm will become an innovative place to disconnect from the frenetic outside world and soothe and restore the soul.

With the sale of the business completed, Tiffany busied herself filing the required paperwork to register as a 501(c)(3) organization.

Inset: a variety of ducks, chickens, and roosters will roam the property; below: a rendering of the entrance to the farm.

Opposite page, clockwise from left: Tiffany chats with Ashleigh Ebrite, who will soon take on a full-time position at the nonprofit farm; citrus trees will grow in the food forest; Tiffany and her horse, Breezy, who currently resides at Stepping Up Stables and will soon relocate to Empowerment Farm.

Land was also needed, so she found a 5-acre parcel on Immokalee Road. Tiffany had reservations about the remote location but decided to move forward with a purchase. However, the deal never happened because the seller stopped communicating.

One day Tiffany got in her truck and began driving up and down rural roads more central to Naples, searching for possible sites. When she turned on to Garland Road, she saw a for-sale sign that read “back on market” on picture-perfect acreage.

The 5-acre pastoral property boasted numerous mature trees, a home with a pool, and a tennis court. Tiffany promptly called her real estate agent, and in May 2023, the home and land—zoned agricultural—became hers. She was ecstatic with the purchase; her dream was becoming a reality.

Founding and running a nonprofit necessitated a major shift in Tiffany’s thinking. “I was in the business of selling a product. I had to pivot to selling a vision and a promise,” she explains. She also had to get comfortable with asking for money. As a charitable organization, the farm is eligible for government grants, says Tiffany. However, “You need to prove your donation revenue before applying, and

we are so new.” With the support of the board, Tiffany is forging forward with raising money to fund her vision, which includes accruing enough to support five full-time staff members within the next three to five years. Last fall, to kick off the fundraising, Tiffany and Al offered a matching grant with a goal of raising $200,000 by the end of the year. (As of press time, a little over $100,000 was raised.)

In year one, Tiffany’s plans for the rural sanctuary include instituting a mindfulness and wellness program. Offerings will include Sunrise Yoga, Farm Fit, and Farm Zen classes; collectively, these will promote healthy eating and habits, an understanding of how food is produced, and opportunities to “ground with nature.” The primary programs will be youth-focused, with a minimum age of 5 to participate. However, there will be numerous programs offered for adults as well. “We want to cater to every population,” remarks Tiffany. To accommodate this aspiration, a $25 donation will be suggested for each program.

The farm, designated a judgment-free zone where “labels stop at

the gate,” will also be a device-free zone. (Her daughters question her wisdom on this tenet, but Tiffany is certain that once kids visit the special place, engage, and participate, they will abandon their phones— except maybe to share their stories on social media.) The farm will be open to the public Monday through Friday. Tiffany is planning to host open farm days on Sundays, when families will be invited to pack a picnic and hang out on the grounds among the trees and gardens.

In the future, Tiffany hopes to add the role of executive director to her current titles of founder and president. In that position, she will work closely with the staff, creating conditions for the farm’s success. She will also continue collaborating with the board of directors to implement programs and plan activities to achieve the organization’s goals. Already there are plans in the works to partner with local non-

profits, such as Boys & Girls Club of Collier County and Fostering Success, in addition to after-school and home-schooling programs.

In year two, Tiffany hopes to include an equestrian center, where she will keep three horses and a donkey. Other livestock slated for the farm include chickens, rabbits, ducks, and a tortoise. She has plans for a peaceful butterfly garden, 20 garden beds, and a food forest featuring edible plants from around the world. In year three, she envisions installing a community kitchen and commissary in the detached garage.

“I love the process of building something,” Tiffany says, “taking the dreams in my head and putting them into reality.” With her enthusiasm and drive, she is sure to cultivate a healthy harvest of wellness for all Empowerment Farm visitors. «

Clockwise from inset: guests enjoy a Sunrise Yoga session under a magnificent oak tree on the 5-acre property; aerial rendering of the farm; Tiffany in a yoga pose; rendering of the pavilion on the completed grounds.

Downtown Living REDEFINED

Aura at Metropolitan Naples is Downtown Naples’ newest luxury high-rise coming to the intersection of Fifth Avenue South and Davis Boulevard. This 15-story sky-rise boasts 56 exquisitely appointed residences with picture-perfect views of the city, bay, and Gulf of Mexico. Pricing at Aura at Metropolitan Naples ranges from $2 million to more than $7 million.

Inside Metropolitan Naples, residents and their visitors will enjoy 5-star amenities including a rooftop infinity edge pool, professionally equipped fitness center, outdoor lounge with seating areas and fire pits and much more. On the street level, there will be delicious restaurants, boutique shops, and Class-A

office space for residents to enjoy. Downtown offerings are just an elevator ride away from their homes.

Metropolitan Naples is being developed by two longtime Naples residents and well-respected developers, Jerry Starkey and Fred Pezeshkan.

The sales gallery for this one-of-a-kind community is located at 365 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 104A, in Downtown Naples and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. or by appointment anytime. Your hosts at the gallery are Ed Gonzalez, Sharyl Wicks, and Natalie Glaze of Metropolitan Naples Realty.

EAT+DRINK

BOLD FLAVORS, COOL COCKTAILS, AND LOCAL FAVORITES

OPENINGS

A TOAST TO SOCIETY

Nestled in the Park Shore Plaza just off Tamiami Trail, the Naples Society Wine Bar offers an elegant space in which to enjoy an array of 200 wines available by the glass; 100 craft beer, cider, and mead selections; and nonalcoholic beverages—as well as small plates that pair with these myriad options.

Siblings Thierry Pourchet and Benedicte Pourchet Dolliver are the owners and operators. Their intent is to bring together wine lovers to share tastings and convivial conversation.

“Our aim is to create a space where customers can enjoy a great atmosphere and also learn about the wines they taste through a knowledgeable staff,” says Dolliver.

Features of the Naples Society Wine Bar include Tuesday night wine tastings, a wine club that allows members to discover hidden gems from around the world, weekly specials, datenight experiences, and other special events. (napleswinebar. com) –Karen Feldman

TASTY TRIPS

The Drive TO DINE

If you crave authentic Mexican food but have only encountered Tex-Mex in town, you likely aren’t looking in the right places. Liz Valdez and her Naples Driven Foodie Tours can take you to four establishments that serve dishes the way they are made in Mexico. What’s more, you and your group will sample a course at each one, traveling in luxury SUVs along the way.

Valdez’s husband, J.C., is Hispanic and grew up in Naples, graduating from Lely High School. She says her husband “taught [her] that the hole-inthe-wall places that don’t look like anything from the outside are where you find the best food.”

The couple have operated an airport transport service since 2010, so they already had cars at the ready. From there, one thing led to another.

“A lot of clients who come to the airport ask us what the new restaurants are, where to go to eat,” Valdez says. “We have a lot of food conversations.”

Being active on various Facebook groups, she also noticed a lot of people searching for authentic Mexican food without success. “I saw a niche in the market for a food tour teaching people about authentic Mexican food, and I decided to go for it,” she says.

Valdez launched what she dubbed the Nacho Average Taco Tour about two years ago, and demand has grown mostly by word of mouth. She has added a second tour: Naples Pizza Wars. This tour involves going to three admired pizza restaurants that are passionately discussed—if not debated—online. On this trip, participants are encouraged to discuss what they liked best and least about each spot.

Tours take place on demand and require a minimum of five people. For the Mexican food tour, there is a maximum of 14 persons, while the pizza tour can accommodate as many as 21 individuals. One dietary note: while vegetarians can likely dine on the tour, Valdez says it’s not possible to accommodate dietary restrictions.

(drivenfoodietours.com) –K.F.

VEGETABLE MATTERS

BEHOLD, THE LOWLY JICAMA

Jicama isn’t much to look at but dig deeper and you’ll find plenty worth discovering. Once peeled, jicama’s snowy white flesh is crisp like an apple and mildly sweet. Raw, it adds crunch and nutrition to a salad, or it can be boiled, fried, sautéed, or steamed.

And here’s the best part: it’s a nutrition powerhouse—high in fiber and low in calories—providing inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports good bacteria in the digestive tract, which aids digestion. Plus, it contains antioxidants to help fight against cancer and chronic inflammation. It also helps support a healthy immune system. And, if that’s not enough, the fiber in jicama helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels.

One caution: while the bulbous root is perfectly safe to eat, avoid ingesting the vine or seeds as they contain the natural pesticide rotenone, which is toxic in large amounts. —K.F.

COURTESY

DRIVEN

Whiskey—and WOW!

Can it get any better? The Naples Design District grows increasingly appealing as a dining and drinking destination with every chic new establishment that opens. Among the latest additions: the opulent and swank Warren American Whiskey Kitchen Naples.

Nestled just blocks from a bevy of other restaurants and created by Jeff John and the Damn Good Hospitality Group, the Warren resembles its sibling in Delray Beach.

The cuisine skews contemporary American, fusing flavors from around the world, allowing the kitchen to offer a wide-ranging assortment of shareables, salads, and seafood towers, as well as caviar, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and more. The brunch menu, served on weekends, entices as well.

Adult beverages, especially whiskeys, occupy

the bulk of real estate on the menu. The extensive whiskey collection includes rare reserve and barrel select bottles.

Yet another unique aspect is the Warren Cocktail Club, a private club limited to 125 members. The annual fee is $7,500 and entitles the member and their partner to access to a private room, priority reservations, invitations to VIP trips to iconic distilleries and towns, and other discounts and services. (warren naples.com) –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 tropical surroundings indoors or on the tiered terrace to soak up the exquisite beachside views. 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples (laplayaresort.com)

THE BEVY Everything old is new again at The Bevy (short for beverage). Be sure to try the Blackberry Tom Cat, a riff on the Tom Collins, from the signature cocktail menu. 360 12th Ave. S., Naples (naplesbevy.com)

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

COOPER’S HAWK WINERY Signature dishes paired with Cooper’s Hawk wines in a casual setting. 11905 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (chwinery.com)

FUSE BBQ Stop by for Texas-style brisket, Memphisstyle ribs, and Carolina-style pork. 2500 Tamiami Trail N. #114, Naples (fusebbq.com)

GOLDIES RESTAURANT For reliable Americana cuisine and friendly service, look no further than this hidden gem. 5400 Taylor Road, Naples (goldies restaurant.com)

THE HANGOUT BY TWO GUYS Brothers Peter and Larry Falisi dish out a relaxing vibe with Italian dishes based on family recipes and “secret ingredients,” along with a mix of tacos, quesadillas, sliders, and vegan entrées. 2360 Pine Ridge Road, Naples (hangoutnaples.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)

HOBNOB Elevated comfort food and sophisticated fare in a modern yet warm atmosphere. Beef and fish are brought in fresh daily and filleted on site. 720 Fifth Ave. S. Unit 101, Naples (hobnobnaples.com)

KC AMERICAN BISTRO As the name implies, regional American cuisine is on tap. 885 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (kcamericanbistro.com)

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

THE LOCAL Fresh, healthy meals dominate the menu, and its 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)

MIDNIGHT TAVERN This laid-back gastropub serves American favorites—specialty burgers, handhelds, fries, salads, and appetizers—along with live music three nights a week. 2800 Davis Blvd., Naples (midnighttavernfl.com)

OLD NAPLES PUB AND THE VILLAGE PUB Both of these local favorites feature an array of handhelds and finger-friendly foods perfect for the casual setting. 255 13th Ave. S.; 4360 Gulf Shore Blvd., Naples (naplespubs.com)

OLD VINES SUPPER CLUB This modern version of a supper club features the New American cuisine of chef Brooke Kravetz. The seasonal menus change weekly. 2795 Davis Blvd., Naples (oldvinesnaples.com)

HOT SPOT

FELIPE

CUEVAS

PIER G.

EAT+DRINK

BRAND-NEW VIEW

For a new perspective on Naples, ascend to Limón Rooftop Bar, located atop the recently opened AC Hotel Naples. Visitors can meet—inside or out—for drinks or a full meal while resting in upholstered chairs and enjoying prime views.

Modern Mediterranean dishes are on the menu, including small plates like meatballs in tomato gravy, hummus, cured meats and cheeses, and citrus-marinated olives with naan and Marcona almonds. Also featured are salads, flatbreads, pasta dishes, and sandwiches for lunch; more substantial options are available for dinner, including hanger steak, red snapper, and crispy brick chicken.

Sure to be a popular spot for those who want to share a drink and the sunset, the bar offers creations such as the Crimson Sunset Margarita, The Serene Oasis (which includes gin, elderflower liqueur, and cucumber juice), and other creative cocktails. Those seeking mocktails will find several options, including the Tropical Sunset Delight, featuring grapefruit, lemon, and passionfruit juices. (limonrooftop.com) –K.F.

RIDGWAY BAR & GRILL Chef Tony Ridgway continues wowing diners with classic American cuisine. 1300 Third St. S., Naples (ridgwaybarandgrill.com)

THE ROOSTER A smorgasbord of savory Southern offerings, including biscuits and gravy to crow about. 600 Goodlette Road N. Ste. 101, Naples (therooster naples.com)

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

SEVENTH SOUTH CRAFT FOOD + DRINK Owner Barry Larkin and chef Jay Schrednitz offer a locally and globally sustainable seafood program, handcut steaks, house-made pastas, and reimagined cocktails, along with a Sunday brunch. 849 Seventh Ave. S., Naples (seventhsouth.com)

SOUTH STREET GRILL Inspired by the bars and clubs on the Philadelphia street of the same name, South Street pairs home-style specialties with live music, and craft beers and cocktails. 1410 Pine Ridge Road Ste. 4, Naples (southstreetnaples.com)

TAVERN ON THE BAY This popular sports bar boasts huge televisions, great comfort food, and a lovely view of the Gordon River. 489 Bayfront Place, Naples (tavernonthebay.net)

THREE60 MARKET In addition to a stellar market, this local favorite boasts a café that serves classic, fresh fare for breakfast and lunch or an early dinner. 2891 Bayview Drive, Naples (three60market.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)

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN The eclectic menu features anti-inflammatory dishes that will make you feel good from the inside out. 5375 Tamiami Trail N. Ste. 15, Naples (truefoodkitchen.com/naples)

TWISTED SHEEP PIZZA & BREW Artisanal specialty and custom pizzas and inventive hand-helds and small bites, local brews, and “stubborn soda.” 3802 Tamiami Trail E., Naples (twistedsheeppizza.com)

THE WAREHOUSE A menu dotted with fresh, local ingredients complements an award-winning cocktail program. 9010 Bellaire Bay Drive, Naples (thewarehousenaples.com)

YARD HOUSE With unique and plentiful tap options, Yard House offers an electric atmosphere and array of hearty American entrées. 4251 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (yardhouse.com)

SEAFOOD

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

BAYSIDE SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR This Venetian Bay favorite boasts grand water views, prime grilled meats, and seafood specialties. 4270 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples (baysideseafoodgrillandbar.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 CATCH OF THE PELICAN Fine steaks, local seafood, and hand-picked produce in a relaxed, sophisticated setting overlooking the pool at Naples Grande. 475 Seagate Drive, Naples (naplesgrande.com)

THE CLAW BAR Located a short walk from Fifth Avenue South, this eatery offers a sophisticated blend of Southern traditions and high-quality ingredients. 221 Ninth St. S., Naples (theclawbar.com)

FISH RESTAURANT Fabulous views of Venetian Bay complement the outstanding seafood. 4360 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples (fishrestaurantnaples.com)

Headlined by zesty cocktails, a lively bar atop the AC Hotel Naples offers an elevated atmosphere accented by city views.

EAT+DRINK

GROUPER & CHIPS The grouper is spectacular, as are the crab cakes, fish tacos, and bouillabaisse. 338 Ninth St. N., Naples (grouperandchipsnaples.com)

HOGFISH HARRY’S Showcasing the Gulf Coast’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)

MR. BIG FISH This family-friendly eatery specializes in delicious chowders and locally caught seafood dishes. 754 Neapolitan Way, Naples (mrbigfish.com)

OCEAN PRIME Enjoy exceptional hospitality, a delectable seafood and steak menu, luxe cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere. 699 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (ocean-prime.com)

PINCHERS CRAB SHACK Pinchers serves fresh, local seafood in a casual, family-friendly setting. 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 591 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island; 28580 Bonita Crossing Blvd., Bonita Springs (pinchersusa.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. 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 (swanriver seafood.com)

TRULUCK’S SEAFOOD, STEAK & CRAB HOUSE

Truluck’s owns local fisheries, so the catch is always fresh in this fine-dining restaurant. 698 Fourth Ave. S., Naples (trulucks.com)

USS NEMO UNDERSEA CUISINE & ADVENTURES

Everything is a cut above, but the signature misobroiled sea bass is a must. 3745 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (ussnemorestaurant.com)

STEAK

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

CHOPS CITY GRILL A modern take on the traditional, with prime aged steaks, local seafood, and more than 100 whiskey selections. 837 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 8200 Health Center Blvd. Ste. 100, Bonita Springs (chopscitygrill.com)

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

DORONA Local culinary superstars Fabrizio and Ingrid Aielli have excelled again with this modern Italian steak house. 2110 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (doronanaples.com)

REFRESHING THE TROPICS

What used to be Yabba Island Grill, located in downtown Naples, is now Keewaydin’s on Fifth. The new restaurant retains the previous subtropical feel and seafood influence, which seems fitting given that the name honors the barrier island between Naples and Marco Island.

Yabba changed hands in 2023, when the Phelan Family Group purchased Culinary Concepts’ portfolio of restaurants from well-known chef/restaurateur Skip Quillen, who retired. Executive chef Carlos Ríos Babilonia and executive sous chef John Louie created a new menu for Keewaydin’s. Appetizers include Island Crab Co. dip, red curry mussels, an ahi tuna poke bowl, oyster motoyaki, and Caribbean chowder. Seafood towers come large and larger.

Entreés—such as grilled tuna, grouper, or steak—can be simply prepared. Or, choose something more complex, such as the mojo chicken with pinto beans and rice, sweet plantains, and chimichurri; the Thai mango noodle; the signature smashburger; or the vegan entrée of broiled eggplant, seasoned rice, and baby bok choy. (keewaydins.com) —K.F.

THE GRILL Luxurious dining in The Ritz-Carlton, Naples features rich decor, aged prime beef, chops, and fresh seafood as well as an impressive wine list. 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. 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)

FRENCH

BISTRO LA BAGUETTE This traditional French bistro serves classic combinations 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 This bistro in the style of Provence serves standouts like lobster roasted in a clay pot. 11224 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (cotedazurrestaurant.com)

SAMANTHA BLOOM

EAT+DRINK

THE FRENCH BRASSERIE RUSTIQUE Rustic French cuisine and lighter fare with desserts prepared by an in-house pastry chef. 365 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (thefrenchnaples.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 Casual, family-friendly eatery serving fresh classics plus hand-crafted cocktails. 4255 Tamiami Trail N.; 2220 Logan Blvd. N. Ste. 810, Naples (felipestaqueria.com)

ROCCO’S TACOS AND TEQUILA BAR Every day is Cinco de Mayo at this high-energy eatery. 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 with a Mexican twist, complete with hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, handmade and gluten-free tortillas, and numerous organic salads. 410 Ninth St. N.; 1514 Immokalee Road #116, Naples (theturcotaco.com)

ITALIAN

ALBERTO’S ON FIFTH Chef Alberto Varetto cooks fine dishes in his elegant restaurant. 868 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (albertosonfifth.com)

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)

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)

BELLINI The Bellini family treats guests to cuisine inspired by matriarch “Nonna” Maria. 2331 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (bellininaples.com)

BRIO ITALIAN GRILLE The location in Waterside Shops makes this a popular place for pre- and postshopping meals. 5505 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (brioitalian.com)

A TASTEFUL, DRAMATIC RAFFLE

GIVE THE ARTS A HAND AND YOU MAY WIN GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR MEALS AT SOME OF THE CITY’S CULINARY STARS. THEATREZONE IS HOLDING ITS THIRD ANNUAL CULINARY THEATRE RAFFLE NOW THROUGH EARLY MAY.

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE ($25 EACH; FIVE FOR $100). THE DRAWING WILL TAKE PLACE MAY 5 AT THE FINAL PERFORMANCE OF THEATREZONE’S CARRIE: THE MUSICAL.

THE GRAND PRIZE FEATURES $2,000 IN FINE DINING CERTIFICATES (INCLUDING TO BALEEN, BLEU PROVENCE, AND THE CAPITAL GRILLE, AS WELL AS RESTAURANTS FROM PHELAN FAMILY BRANDS AND CAMPAGNA HOSPITALITY GROUP). SECOND PRIZE IS $1,600 IN DINING CERTIFICATES AT FOUR RESTAURANTS (INCLUDING FLEMING’S, M WATERFRONT GRILLE, RIDGWAY BAR & GRILL, AND USS NEMO). THIRD PRIZE IS $1,200 IN CERTIFICATES (INCLUDING OCEAN PRIME, OLD VINES SUPPER CLUB, AND RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE). (THEATRE.ZONE) K.F.

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)

CASA NERI Homemade pastas, extensive charcuterie boards, and chef-crafted fare. 382 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (casanerinaples.com)

DEROMO’S GOURMET MARKET & RESTAURANT Dine on home-style dishes, then shop for gourmet items to take home. The Promenade, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs (deromos.com)

GRAPPINO This latest venture from Ingrid and Fabrizio Aielli 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)

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)

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

PARMESAN PETE’S Chef and owner Peter Della Rocca creates meals that taste like a “big bite of Brooklyn.” 7935 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples (parmesanpetes.com)

PAZZO! CUCINA ITALIANA The “friendly neighborhood” 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)

Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli from Ocean Prime

Quiche au Bacon et au Gruyère at Bleu Provence

ROMA ITALIAN BISTRO Pizza and Italian specialities made with ingredients imported from Italy and fresh organic produce. 655 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (romaitalianpizzeria.com)

VERGINA Italian and Mediterranean dishes with a modern flair. 700 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (vergina restaurant.com)

ASIAN

21 SPICES BY CHEF ASIF Chef Asif R. Syed offers contemporary Indian cuisine created with his special collection of spices. 4270 Tamiami Trail E. #21, Naples (21spicesdining.com)

AZN AZIAN CUIZINE Pan-Asian cuisine and an expansive sushi rolls menu, including specialties like Surf & Turf with blue crab, tuna, beef filet carpaccio, and cucumber. 9118 Strada Place, Naples (aznrestaurant.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)

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)

VEGAN KITCHEN The wide-ranging Asian menu includes influences from China, Thailand, and Vietnam, with many gluten-free options. 794 Neapolitan Way, Naples (vegan-kitchen.us)

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

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 many sharable selections. 27975 Old 41 Road Ste. 104, Bonita Springs (thebohemianbonita.com)

CELEBRATION PARK NAPLES This waterfront bar and food truck park 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 infused with the flavors of the Mediterranean coast. 494 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (delmarnaplesrestaurant.com)

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

HYDE N CHIC At this fine-dining establishment, chef Andy Hyde merges his Ghana roots with Southwest Florida’s agricultural and seafood bounty. 923 Creech Road, Naples (hydenchicrestaurant.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)

LAMORAGA Spanish cuisine with an international twist is served along with a wide selection of fine wines. 3936 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (lamoragarestaurant.com)

LE COLONIAL Discover the French-tinged flavors of Vietnam at this chic outpost that marries Parisian sultriness with tropical modernity. 445 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)

THE MED Traditional and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine meet at The Med, an indoor/outdoor artisan eatery in the Bayshore Arts District. 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 fine-dining establishment, the latest venture from its award-winning chef, Todd Johnson. The Grilled Octopus Nosh is a fan favorite. 1490 Fifth Ave. S. Ste. 101, Naples (noshon naplesbay.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)

A TABLE APART Chef Jarrod Davis carries on the sustainable practices and high standards for his Hawaiian fusion cuisine established by founder Jeff Acol. 4295 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs (atableapart.com)

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

MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

March Renewal

FRANCESCACOVIELLO

SPRING INTO A NEW SEASON WITH THIS BRIGHT AND HERBY LIBATION

BY JULES ARON

While March is best known for holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day and International Women’s Day, it is also a month of transitions. With our coldest days behind us, the vernal equinox (March 19) signals the arrival of spring, bringing with it a sense of rejuvenation and encouraging us to embark on new beginnings.

In Chinese medicine, spring is associated with the element of wood and the organ system of the liver. During this time, Ayurvedic principles emphasize earth and water elements and reducing any accumulated toxins from the winter months. Both systems acknowledge the importance of adjusting lifestyle and wellness practices to align with the changing seasons, such as incorporating warming and stimulating herbs into your diet to promote balance and support the body’s natural detoxification processes.

In the spirit of March, this cocktail celebrates springtime with fresh herbs and notes of apple.

Spring Garden Ingredients

2 oz. Irish whiskey

1 oz. fresh apple and cilantro juice (recipe below)

1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz. honey syrup or simple syrup (made using a 1:1 ratio of water to sweetener)

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled glass and enjoy.

Apple and Cilantro Juice Ingredients

1/4 cup cilantro

2 Granny Smith apples, quartered 1-inch knob ginger (optional)

Add all ingredients to a juicer and process.

GYORGY PAPP

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BALANCE

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

JOLTIN’ JOE

Coffee can wake up your brain—and it might wake up your muscles, too. Research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition indicates that caffeine may help improve your endurance, strength, and speed to enhance athletic performance. Cason Lehman, a functional medicine coach at LIFEstrength Health Center in Naples, adds that it may also help you feel more alert and energetic.

Lehman recommends drinking one to two cups of coffee 30 to 60 minutes before working out but says that it’s a matter of personal preference. Lehman stresses, however, the importance of drinking coffee brewed with high-quality organic beans and spring water, without added sugar. If you’re looking for an extra exercise boost, why not give it a sip? For people who like to work out and drink high-quality coffee, “I think it’s a win-win,” says Lehman. “I don’t see any negative effects.” (lifestrengthhealthcenter.com) –Erika Klein

WARM-UP

BALANCE

Nama-stay HOME

The internet is full of instructional yoga videos, but when it’s your first time trying the exercise, it can be tough—and a little intimidating—to know where to begin online. In-person classes provide many benefits, but “an at-home practice can be a great option for students who need a more flexible schedule,” says Kelley Kiernan, owner of Honor Yoga, with locations in North Naples and Old Naples. Both studios offer in-person classes, as well as live-stream and on-demand yoga sessions. “Especially when you are just getting started, being in the comfort of your own home can help build confidence before practicing in a studio,” Kiernan says. She offers a few tips for starting yoga confidently and safely. (hynaples.com) –E.K.

PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION.

“One of the disadvantages of an at-home practice for beginner yogis is not knowing if you are in proper alignment and doing the pose correctly,” says Kiernan. She encourages students to closely observe the instructor’s visual demonstrations and listen to oral cues. What’s more, she emphasizes the importance of choosing a good beginner’s class and adds that the instructor must be experienced in teaching novice yoga with detailed and understandable directions.

SET ASIDE TIME AND SPACE.

Kiernan recommends creating a sacred space and blocking out time for your practice. “It can be motivating to keep your mat and props set out and make it easier to slide into a space of mindfulness when it is time to practice,” she says. “Schedule your practice in your calendar and stick to it.”

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.

AVOID PAINFUL POSES.

Practicing yoga with an instructor who can correct your movements can increase safety. Still, “if you are mindful of how poses are landing in your body, you can have a safe at-home practice,” says Kiernan. “Be in tune with your body, listen to it, and honor it.” She adds, “If a particular pose is not right for you on any given day or you need a break at any time during your practice, child’s pose is always an option.”

Kiernan says yoga takes time to learn. Newbies may feel frustrated and want to give up. “Start slow, stick with it, and have grace for yourself,” she says. “If you can breathe, you can do yoga.”

It’s National Reading Month, the perfect time to pick up a book to expand your mind as well as boost your mental health. Research indicates that reading for fun may reduce psychological distress and promote stress relief. Ivette M. Gómez, a licensed mental health counselor in Naples who practices holistic counseling, says reading can increase emotional wellness, empathy, focus, and selfknowledge. “Reading helps people tackle any challenge in life with confidence [by providing] the knowledge required to respond to life and inquiries from others,” she explains.

Gómez recommends spending at least 20 uninterrupted minutes per day perusing any subject that interests you and sparks your imagination. Choose a hardcopy book or a book on a tablet rather than on a phone, she says, so that you’re not distracted by links or notifications.

“Take a book wherever you go, just in case there is an opportunity to sink into it, even if just for 20 minutes,” Gómez suggests. “Reading brings tranquility and calm to the soul, and it’s a nocost leisure activity—or at least a low-budget good time.” (ivette gomez.com) –E.K.

Faces of

PRIORITIZING YOUR CARE AND COMFORT

Prenatal Care | Lactation Consultation Newborn Care | Pediatric Care

Dr. Michel Saaloukeh, MD, FAAP, IBCLC. is board certified in Pediatrics, Neonatology and lactation. Trained at University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre UPMC, has been practicing for over 15 years in the field of Pediatrics and Neonatology. Dr. Saaloukeh is the medical director of a general pediatrics practice, Comprehensive Pediatric and Neonatal Clinic in Southwest Florida. He is IBCLC certified and is committed to providing breast feeding support to mothers and infants after discharge home from the hospital. With a focus on infants who graduate from the NICU, and their special needs, he is dedicated in providing support following discharge home.

BALANCE

HORMONE THERAPY

TIME FOR T?

Anyone who is tired, depressed, and experiencing reduced sex drive may be dealing with low testosterone. “Low T is a very common thing I see,” says Dr. Diane Brzezinski, a clinical educator for bioidentical hormones in Naples. She says the condition is defined in men as testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL, but many people may experience symptoms before their testosterone falls to low levels. And men are not the only ones impacted by low levels of the hormone; she points out that women can experience symptoms, too.

A common treatment for the condition is testosterone replacement therapy, which typically involves injecting synthetic testosterone to boost hormone levels. As an alterna-

tive, Brzezinski recommends fi nding a provider who offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Bioidentical hormones come from plants, she says, and may be safer to use, although research is still being done in this area. With treatment, you may see improvement in your symptoms after a few weeks or months. “Many health benefi ts come to both men and women from hormone optimization if it is done properly,” says Brzezinski. (drbnaples.com) –E.K.

Treating Allergies IN ANIMALS

Dogs and cats may not sneeze the way humans might from pollen or dust in the air, but they can still be allergic to it. “Atopy—the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases—is the most common condition we see pets for each day,” says Dr. Sterling Sigmond, a veterinarian at Naples Coastal Animal Hospital. Rather than sniffling, she says pets may experience itchy skin anytime in Florida because the consistently high temperatures mean plants are always in bloom. Be sure to watch for pets licking their paws, scratching, experiencing hair loss, or showing areas of infected skin, as these signs could indicate an allergy. Sigmond suggests treating mild cases by wiping your furry friends’ paws with a moist towel when they come indoors, bathing them weekly with a hypoallergenic shampoo, and giving them an oral antihistamine. If they still show symptoms, she advises scheduling an appointment with your vet, who can prescribe medication or conduct allergy testing. “It is important to recognize that there is not a cure or quick fix for allergies,” Sigmond notes. “But with [chronicallergy] management and following your veterinarian’s recommendations, [your] pet can be comfortable.” (naplescoastalvet.com) —E.K.

The Humble Bee Boutique was inspired by the hardworking, community-driven nature of bees, and that humble dedication is at the core of our brand values. At The Humble Bee, we believe in uplifting our community to feel confident, stylish, and comfortable in their own skin. Our clothing, accessories and gifts are carefully selected to act as feel-good reminders to embrace your inner grace, strength, and sense of adventure every day.

TRENDING

CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH

ENHANCE YOUR WELLNESS OFFENSIVE WITH THESE FOUR IMMUNITY-BOOSTING HACKS

BY LIZA GRANT SMITH

POMEGRANATE JUICE

XForget the age-old recommendation to drink orange juice to fight off a cold. As it turns out, pomegranate juice has a higher antioxidant content. In fact, the antioxidant activity of pomegranate juice can be as much as three times higher than that of green tea and red wine, according to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology. Since its nutrients are more readily absorbed on an empty stomach, try drinking a serving of pomegranate juice first thing in the morning.

IMMUNITY CUBES

MUSHROOM BATHING

The premise behind immunity cubes (a TikTok fave) is simple: blend immune-supporting ingredients like turmeric, ginger, lemon, honey, and black pepper into a concentrated liquid that you can freeze in an ice cube tray. Then, when you feel worn down or a cold coming on, pour hot water over a few of the cubes or defrost one thoroughly and drink it as a shot. The result?

Instant preventive measures available in your freezer.

No, we aren’t suggesting you load your tub with portabellas and shiitakes. Mushroom bathing refers to the practice of letting mushrooms sunbathe before you eat them. A 2018 study published in the journal Nutrients found that exposing commonly consumed mushrooms to a source of UV radiation, such as sunlight, can generate “nutritionally relevant amounts of vitamin D,” which helps the immune system fight off bacteria and viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To take advantage of this solar power, clean and slice your mushrooms, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and place them in the sun for at least 15 minutes, ideally at a time of day when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.

ELDERBERRIES

Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants such as anthocyanins, elderberries are a heavy-hitting option for both before and during a cold or flu. From a preventive perspective, elderberries boast antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, and have long been touted as a natural immune booster. Several studies have also found a correlation between consuming elderberries while sick and decreased duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. Locally, Courtney Krehling of Naples Elderberry offers an elderberry syrup that also includes cloves, cinnamon, ginger root, and local honey. (napleselderberry.com)

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1250 Pine Ridge Rd, Suite 101A

Naples, Florida 34108

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Restore your Feminine Confidence

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The O-Shot® is a minimally invasive vaginal rejuvenating treatment for women who are experiencing low libido, difficulty achieving orgasm, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse or urinary incontinence.

Age Healthier, Live Happier

Hormone Pellet Therapy helps to treat age-related problems by increasing energy, muscle strength, mental clarity, and libido. Treats low testosterone in men and women.

Peptide Treatments enhance weight loss, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, slow the effects of aging, alleviate digestive issues, and improve sexual health.

BALANCE

GOOD NATURE

ON THE SCENT

ESSENTIAL OILS CAN BETTER THE MIND, BODY, AND SOUL

BY TAMMY FENDER

While research has shown that essential oils can affect the body’s physiological systems in powerful ways—to include supporting deeper sleep, lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammation— I’ve also witnessed their capacity to soothe our most complex emotions and instill a sense of well-being.

Inhaling the aroma of a beautiful essential oil, such as sweet orange or sandalwood, has subtle but significant effects, as they interact with the brain’s limbic system, an area that influences our emotions. Our sense of smell bypasses the thinking mind, which is why I like to start every morning by choosing one or more essential oils to wear for the day. I never really ponder the question of which to choose, but rather

allow my intuition to guide me toward a scent that is just right for where I am in that moment.

In the same way, I use essential oils as a diagnostic tool in my therapeutic work. Before any treatment, clients are presented with a series of 13 essences; they smell each unlabeled vial and then select which they like best. The process reveals what is needed to bring their body, mind, and spirit into harmony. A person choosing lemongrass, for example, might benefit from its uplifting profile. Someone drawn to eucalyptus might crave its clarity, intuitively recognizing its ability to dissolve confusion and sluggishness.

To experience this incredible world of scent and transformation, consider putting together a small essential oil kit of your own. Lavender makes a great travel companion as it can ease you into sleep. Frankincense supports connectedness in meditation. Sweet orange is everyone’s favorite mood booster. And vetiver helps you get grounded when life gets wild.

To work with your essences, quiet your other senses and turn your attention to smell. Inhale deeply or dilute your oils and try them transdermally, absorbing a single drop or two through the bottom of your foot or the pulse points on your wrist. Before a

shower, consider sprinkling rosemary at the base, allowing the steam to rise and invigorate your senses. I even love applying a single drop of a favorite essential oil to a closed book so that I can experience the aroma when flipping through the pages.

As you incorporate essential oils into your daily routine, I think you’ll also find that each one presents an intimate way to connect to the botanical world and, ultimately, obtain a greater appreciation for our own true nature. «

Lavender essential oil (above) can help to reduce anxiety, support sleep, and promote wound healing, according to a study published in the journal BMC

Ginni Rometty

Ellen Latham

The Benson Blackburn Team Michael, Amy & Scott

WEALTH

MORE THAN PROTECTION

WHILE THE AVERAGE AMERICAN CAN’T AFFORD TO USE WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE AS A WEALTH-BUILDING TOOL, AFFLUENT INVESTORS CAN UTILIZE THIS TAX-ADVANTAGED ACCOUNT TO THEIR BENEFIT

BY JOE PYE

In 1953, Disneyland theme park was a novel idea too risky for banks to gamble the amount Walt Disney needed to fund his dream project. The Mickey Mouse creator believed in it so much, he bet his life on it.

Disney put his life insurance policy up as collateral to borrow $50,000 ($593,000 today) from the bank. And he’s not the only self-made success story to use what’s now called the infinite banking concept; Ray Kroc of McDonald’s and James Cash Penney of J.C. Penney also employed this strategy long before economist Nelson Nash coined the term in the 1980s. And there’s a simple reason why: whole life insurance offers unique benefits that most tradition-

al investment vehicles do not.

“A well-structured whole life insurance policy has attributes that cannot be replicated through stocks and bonds,” says Brian Kaplan, a certified financial planner and senior VP of wealth management firm Lenox Advisors. “The growth of the cash value is guaranteed by the life insurance company, and removal of cash value is tax-free through a policy loan.”

Whole life offers a death benefit that pays out to surviving family members like any other life insurance policy. Where it differs is it also has a cash value savings component that grows with a guaranteed rate, typically around 5 to 6 percent, Kaplan notes. That money won’t be taxed while it’s growing, and you can overfund the cash value savings component by paying more than the basic premium cost.

To illustrate its potential advantages, Kaplan shares the example of a client who accrued a cash value of $500,000. This client had worked for his entire career as a hedge fund manager, but he wanted to leave the finance world and launch his own HVAC business. To do so, he needed $400,000 working capital to purchase

a van and equipment.

Like many new business owners, he went to the bank first and asked for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. The bank was willing to loan him the money but with a 12 percent interest rate tied to it. Instead, he used Nash’s infinite banking concept.

“From the bank’s perspective, they said, ‘You don’t really have a business yet, so it’s hard for us to lend you money without an asset backing that,’” Kaplan describes. “He had a whole life insurance policy he’d been contributing to for a while. He paused his premiums and took money out of it.”

The client was able to take out a $400,000 loan from his insurance policy with a 6 percent interest rate. This went against his death benefit, meaning that if he died before repayment, his family would collect the death benefit minus the loan. But he was young and healthy enough to take on the risk while accruing wealth in the new HVAC business.

Despite its benefits, whole life insurance

shouldn’t be the primary investment in anyone’s portfolio. Kaplan recommends the product to high-net-worth clients in a high tax bracket looking for tax-advantaged investments outside of the stock market. Kaplan and many other financial professionals typically advise opening a whole life insurance policy with the intent of overfunding it over the course of 10 to 20 years. It should never be a short-term investment strategy.

Life insurance expert Jerry Vanderzanden recommends nurturing that policy diligently before ever borrowing against it. In his 35 years of experience as a chartered life underwriter (CLU), he’s seen a lot of sound financial ideas turn unsound upon execution. While a certified financial planner can sell a policy, Vanderzanden stresses the importance of a CLU, who will have additional specialized knowledge in the matter.

“CLUs use their expertise to help people

learn enough about life insurance to make an educated decision as to what’s in their best interest,” Vanderzanden says. “The expectations have to be realistic. If they are, there’s nothing like whole life insurance. The ability to grow cash value tax deferred [and] to get at it with no income tax is nice to have while you’re still alive. Who doesn’t like the idea of a life insurance policy you don’t have to die to benefit from?” «

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DESIGN WEST

Creating sophisticated, stunning interiors, this award-winning interior design firm is thrilled to announce its new showroom located in the heart of Naples on Fifth Avenue South. “As Naples’ premier design firm, we’re looking forward to showcasing our distinctive approach to luxury interiors on Fifth Avenue,” says Glenn Midnet, chief executive officer of Design West. Follow @dwestfl on social to be the first to know when the grand opening date approaches.

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BAY DESIGN STORE

Are you tired of waiting? Did you know that everything in the Bay Design Store collection is available for immediate delivery?

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SCENE

THE HOTTEST CULTURE AND COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

TOP BILLING

CELEBRATING GERSHWIN

The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples celebrates George Gershwin as an art collector, an artist, and a composer in a multidisciplinary extravaganza this season. A groundbreaking show, “George Gershwin and Modern Art: A Rhapsody in Blue” marks the first major museum exhibit devoted to the composer’s passion for visual arts. It will be on display through June 16 on the museum’s third floor.

The exhibit is presented on the 100th anniversary of Rhapsody in Blue, the composer’s genre-blending work that combined the sounds of classical music and jazz.

Widely known and beloved for his innovative work as a composer, songwriter, and pianist, Gershwin’s passion and talents extended to the visual arts. Although he died young—at only 38 years

GABRIELHACKETT

old—he produced numerous paintings, drawings, and photographs, and his collection of modern art was one of the most significant of his day. The exhibit, curated by The Baker Museum Director and Chief Curator Courtney McNeil and guest curator Olivia Mattis, will feature many of Gershwin’s personal creations, artworks from his collection, and art by leading contemporaries who were inspired by Gershwin and his music. McNeil anticipates the exhibition will open visitors’ eyes to the importance of visual art and Gershwin’s creative process, believing they “will witness a convergence of artistic practices, where Gershwin’s boundless creativity leapt from composing to painting and back again.”

(artisnaples.org) –Gaylene Salomons

COURTESY OF ARTIS—NAPLES

COURTESY

Clockwise from inset: Pyramids at Gizeh by Oskar Kokoschka from Gershwin’s collection of modern art; Self-Portrait with Mirror by David Alfaro Siqueiros, also from Gershwin’s modern art collection; Gershwin poses at his home in Beverly Hills, California.

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MARCH 2024

ARTS & EVENTS

GOINGS ON & PERFORMANCES

1 Jewish Book Festival, author event with Martha Hall Kelly (The Golden Doves), Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, Naples, $25. (jewishbookfestival.org)

A Splash of Silver: Fostering Success’ Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Gala, annual fundraiser in support of foster children, The RitzCarlton Naples, Tiburón, $500. (fosteringsuccess.net)

Youth of the Year, Boys & Girls Club of Collier County celebrates successful youth, exclusive private club, Naples, $750. (bgccc.com)

2 Bonita Springs National Art Festival, Riverside Park, Bonita Springs, also March 3, free. (artcenterbonita. org)

Forest Bathing, a guided sensory experience with nature, Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples, ages 18 and up, $50. (rookerybay.org)

Night for Champions, signature fundraising event benefiting The Education Foundation of Collier County— Champions for Learning, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, $500. (championsforlearning.org)

3 Naples Concert Band: Americana Road Trip, with guest artist Vince DiMartino, Cambier Park, Naples, free;

Clockwise from top left: hyperrealist painting

The Essentials by Dimitri Annenkov; Sea Meets Sky by Joanne Rafferty, both on display at East West Fine Art in the month of March; the region’s natural resources are protected by funds raised at annual gala events.

COURTESY OF EAST WEST FINE ART

NICK SHIRGHIO

NICK SHIRGHIO

donations appreciated. (naplesconcertband.org)

4 Imagine Solutions Conference, a one-day conference featuring 20 experts from around the world with the goal of stimulating conversation, Arthrex One, Naples, $700. (imaginesolutionsconference.com)

Stompin’ at the Savoy: The Gulfshore Playhouse Gala, The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, $750. (gulfshoreplay house.org)

6 Sunset Wednesdays, bask in the beauty of a Naples sunset while the garden stays open late, Naples Botanical Garden, also March 13, 20, and 27, free with garden admission. (naplesgarden.org)

Triumph 2024, The Holocaust Museum and Janet G. and Harry D. Cohen Education Center’s annual fundraising event in support of the museum’s education programs, Arthrex One, Naples, $350. (hmcec.org)

7 Jewish Book Festival, author event with Jonathan Freedland (The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World), Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, Naples, $25. (jewishbookfestival.org)

Little Me, a musical comedy written by Neil Simon, G&L Theatre at Community School of Naples, to March 10, also March 14-17, tickets start at $50. (theatre.zone)

Magic Under the Mangroves, annual gala to benefit the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s mission to protect the region’s natural resources, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples, $1,000. (conservancy.org)

PRESERVING HISTORY ROYALLY

Founded in 1994, the Marco Island Historical Society is dedicated to the discovery, research, acquisition, and preservation of the multifaceted history of the Marco Island-Goodland region, so it can be shared with future generations.

On March 9, the society will host their main fundraising event of the year with Kings and Queens, A Royal Ball, at the Island Country Club, Marco Island. Guests are invited to don royal attire; cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions, and interactive entertainment will add to the excitement of the evening. Ticket price per person is $250. (themihs.org) —G.S.

PICKS

IF YOU LOVE CORNED BEEF ON RYE OR LATKES AND BLINTZES, THEN YOU WILL WANT TO SPEND TIME WITH BEN NADLER, AUTHOR OF THE JEWISH DELI: AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO THE CHOSEN FOOD ON MARCH 26, HE WILL DISCUSS HIS DELIGHTFUL TOME AS PART OF THE JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL AT THE NINA ISER JEWISH CULTURAL CENTER, NAPLES. TICKETS ARE $25 PER PERSON. (JEWISHNAPLES.ORG)

SET IN THE KAPNICK CARIBBEAN GARDEN AT THE NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN, “MUSICAL SWINGS” IS A MUSIC-MAKING ART INSTALLATION THAT INVITES PEOPLE OF ALL AGES TO PARTICIPATE IN A CHANCE PERFORMANCE. VISITORS WILL CREATE A MUSICAL COMPOSITION OF UNIQUE MELODIES THROUGH A RESPONSIVE, INTERACTIVE SOUNDTRACK. THE EXHIBIT IS ON DISPLAY THROUGH APRIL 20 AND IS INCLUDED WITH GARDEN ADMISSION. (NAPLES GARDEN.ORG) G.S.

8 Lauren Fox, acclaimed vocalist sings the music of Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell, Daniels Pavilion, Artis—Naples, $62. (artisnaples.org)

9 Fine Arts & Craft Show, Cambier Park, Naples, free. (fifthavenuesouth.com)

Immokalee Cattle Drive and Jamboree, Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, free. (colliermuseums.com)

Kings and Queens, A Royal Ball, an evening event in support of the Marco Island Historical Society’s mission to preserve and share the history of Marco Island, Island Country Club, Marco Island, $250. (themihs.org)

12 Larry & Adolpho: The Dummy’s Guide to Love Songs, concert, G&L Theatre at Community School of Naples, tickets start at $50. (theatre.zone)

14 Evening on Fifth, live musical performances along Fifth Avenue South, Naples, also March 17, free. (fifthavenue south.com)

Fifteenth Annual Bash for the Bay, an evening fundraiser for the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, The Players Club and Spa at Lely Resort, Naples, $250. (rookerybay.org)

Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: An American in Paris and The Firebird Suite , with Jess Gillam on saxophone, Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, also March 15, tickets start at $15. (artisnaples.org)

National Learn about Butterflies Day, learn about the many species of native butterflies, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples, included with regular admission. (corkscrew.audubon.org)

Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary hosts a National Learn about Butterflies Day event on March 14.

SCENE

15 Jesse Jones Jr.: Jazz Saxophonist Extraordinaire, Performing Arts Center, Moe Auditorium, Arts Bonita, tickets start at $35. (artcenterbonita.org)

16 The Weight Band, Performing Arts Center, Hinman Auditorium, Arts Bonita, tickets start at $58. (artcenterbonita.org)

19 ForEverglades Naples, eleventh annual benefit of the Everglades Foundation, Arthrex One, $750. (forevergladesnaples.org)

Six, Broadway tour presentation, Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, to March 24, tickets start at $104. (artisnaples.org)

21 She Loves Me, a romantic musical, Norris Center, Naples, to April 21, tickets start at $40. (gulfshoreplayhouse.org)

23 10K Run for Music, an annual 10K run presented by Gulf Coast Runners, Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus, Artis—Naples, $30. (artisnaples.org)

Naples Downtown Art Show, Fifth Avenue South, Naples, also March 24, free. (fifthavenuesouth.com)

Starry Nights Gala, a mesmerizing evening celebrating Youth Haven, The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, $500. (starrynights.youthhavenswfl.org)

26 Jewish Book Festival, author event with Ben Nadler (The Jewish Deli: An Illustrated Guide to the Chosen Food), Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, Naples, $25. (jewishbookfestival.org)

28 Zach Bartholomew Trio: 88 Keys Meet the Great Ladies of Jazz, Performing Arts Center, Moe Auditorium, Arts Bonita, tickets start at $35. (artcenterbonita.org)

29 Garden Side Chickee Chat, a tribute to Naples’ old-timers, Historic Palm Cottage, Naples, $8. (napleshistoricalsociety.org)

31 Hyacinth Concert Series, Easter Worship with The Seraph Brass, Moorings Presbyterian Church, Naples, a freewill offering will be received. (mooringschurch.org)

VISUAL ARTS & GALLERIES

Aldo Castillo Gallery, Naples. “Homage to Andy Warhol,” group show, March 6–27. (aldocastillo gallery.com)

The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples. “The Art of Food: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation,” to March 10; “Tamara

More than 100 head of cattle will parade down Main Street at the Immokalee Cattle Drive and Jamboree on March 9. The annual event offers the opportunity to experience the pioneer spirit and rich agricultural history of Florida’s heartland. Heather Cleckler, a descendant of one of Immokalee’s cattle ranching families, will lead the ceremony as cattle boss. Dignitaries from the Seminole Tribe of Florida will take part in the honorary procession.

The drive will lead to Roberts Ranch, a former farmstead listed on the National Register of Historic Places and operated as the Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch. The free, family-friendly event will include activities and entertainment, such as storytelling, roping and whip-cracking demonstrations, music, and crafts, as well as a petting zoo and games. (colliermuseums.com) –G.S.

Kostianovsky: Botanical Revolution,” to April 7; “The Face of Immokalee,” to April 28; “George Gershwin and Modern Art: A Rhapsody in Blue” and “Selections from the Ahmet Ertegün Collection,” both to June 16; “Florida Contemporary 2023-24,” to June 30. (artisnaples.org)

East West Fine Art, Naples. “The Devil is in the Details,” an exhibition celebrating two hyperrealist painters: Husan Kasimov and Dimitri Annenkov, to March 11; “Naples Favorite Jersey Girl,” featuring the intriguing abstracts of artist Joanne Rafferty, March 16-30. (eastwestfineart.com)

Kapnick Caribbean Garden at Naples Botanical Garden. “Musical Swings,” all ages are invited to create a collaborative and unique musical composition at this art installation, to April 20. (naplesgarden.org)

Naples Art Institute. “The Power of Photography: Iconic Images from the Collection of Peter Fetterman,” to April 28. (naplesart.org)

Quidley & Company, Naples. “Sweet,” to March 6; “Jojo Anavim: New Works,” March 13-27. (quidley andco.com)

Third Street South, Naples. “La Bonne Vie: Art and Fashion Imitate Life and Each Other,” photographer Nick Mele on exhibit, in support of Women Lifting Women, a Women’s Foundation Fundraising Initiative, Camargo Courtyard, Naples, to March 31. (thirdstreetsouth.com)

IN THE AIR TONIGHT

PAGES 140-141

Left: Single-breasted wool-blend jacket ($1,150), straight-leg woolblend trousers ($750), Victoria Beckham, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, saksfifthavenue.com; embroidered monogram cotton-blend tank ($525), Balmain, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, saksfifthavenue.com.

Right: Double-breasted blazer ($2,290), Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren, Waterside Shops, Naples, ralphlauren.com

PAGES 142-143

Classic blazer ($978), long pants ($570), The Attico, The Webster, thewebster.com; swimsuit ($198), Jade Swim, jadeswim.com; Candy Pink patent leather pumps with crystal straps ($1,095), Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com

PAGE 144

Left: Turquoise stretch pebble crepe blazer ($2,290), stretch pebble crepe flared trousers ($790), Michael Kors Collection, Marissa Collections, Third Street South, Naples, michaelkors.com; Smokey Blue suede and patent leather pumps ($775), Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com

Right: Iconic pink wool single-breasted jacket ($1,490), pink wool flannel tailored trousers ($850), Stella McCartney, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, saksfifthavenue.com; Candy Pink patent leather pumps with crystal straps ($1,095), Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com

PAGE 145

Midi black-and-white dress ($1,490), The Attico, The Webster, thewebster.com

PAGES 146-147

Left: Three-button Boyfriend blazer ($2,290), Haylee cropped flared trousers ($1,190), Michael Kors Collection, Marissa Collections, Third Street South, Naples, michaelkors.com; heels (price upon request), Fendi, fendi.com

Right: Wool-silk crepe single-button blazer ($1,698), wool-silk crepe pants ($798), Lafayette 148, Waterside Shops, Naples, lafayette148ny. com; swimsuit ($198), Jade Swim, jadeswim.com

LAST WORD

How did the signature red sole come about?

I tried the prototype of my Pensée heel on a model and it looked good on the foot, but still, something was better in the sketch.

I turned the shoe and from the back, the black sole became very dramatic. Did I favor the drawing because there was no black?

At that moment my assistant was painting her nails. When I saw her nail polish, it was like a sign.

I took the red polish and painted the sole all over, and that was it!

Where do you draw inspiration from?

When you draw, there are various inspirations that get mixed together. Inspirations lead me to a first drawing, which can drift off and have a life of its own. You can draw your own universe and create things that don’t exist. Then eventually you can give them a reality, or it remains a sketch.

Who or what has been your biggest design muse?

I do not have a specifi c muse; when I design, I have certain

REAL TALK WITH... Christian Louboutin

The legendary footwear designer discusses red soles, inspiration, muses, and more

characters, certain people in my mind. Possibly this comes from my childhood. I grew up with three sisters, and being the youngest, they would always tease me and drive me crazy. We were very different from each other. From a young age, I realized that each person changes depending on what life puts in front of them. So, I can’t have just one person in mind when designing. However, over the years there have been many

BY KATHERINE LANDE

women who have accompanied me. But more than something physical, what attracts me and inspires me is their personality and their character.

How do you name your shoes?

I probably almost name all my shoes by characters, by attitudes, or by just anecdotes. One specific design that comes to mind is the Kate—it is a sharp style [that is] simple and very complex at the same time. If the line is not perfect, you do not have the embellishment to hide it. It sounded very much like Kate Moss, simple yet very sophisticated. I felt this pump just had to be named after her because it was so Kate.

JEAN-BAPTISTE MONDINO

Christian Louboutin (above) developed his iconic red soles while working on his Pensée heel (top left). His Kate design (center, right, and far right) is named for fashion model Kate Moss.

Susan Bay Furniture Collection