The Bar Boom
A bumper crop of new cocktail lounges flourishes in the region, featuring rooftop views, boutique spirits and a dose of tiki tradition
.https://www.gulfshorelife.com/2021/11/01/the-bar-boom/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=taste
Expanding the Narrative
Mercato’s popular Narrative Coffee Roasters debuts a new café and showcase roasting room in the Naples Design District.
Bid High
Naples Winter Wine Festival announces its big-ticket live auction lots with far-flung trips and rare bottles, benefitting the Naples Children & Education Foundation.
https://www.gulfshorelife.com/2021/10/27/2022-naples-winter-wine-festival-announces-auction-items/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=taste
OPEN FOR BUSINESS https://www.vineroom.com/
Hidden behind a plant-covered doorway on Fifth Avenue South, The Vine Room opens in time for pre-Thanksgiving drinks. A swanky cocktail lounge bar with green velvet booths and hanging plants, it features sophisticated cocktails (a $65 negroni with 40-year Campari, anyone?) and bar bites, like a lobster wedge salad and Kobe beef sliders.
Chef Adam Nardis, formerly of Seventh South Craft Food + Drink and M Waterfront Grille, debuts Coldwater Oyster Market in Fort Myers https://www.coldwateroystermarket.com/ this Friday with a focus on seafood from cooler climates, including the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. The restaurant-cum-market will also have a serious cocktail program and live music.
The long-promised La Santa Tacos & Tequilas https://www.lasantafl.com/ opened recently in North Naples in the former Fuzzy’s Taco Shop space. Its extensive from-scratch menu covers traditional and modern Mexican cuisine, with indoor and outdoor seating.
Franklin Social https://franklinsocialclub.com/celebrated its grand opening in North Naples last week. The late-night tavern serves craft cocktails and beers, small plates and appetizers.
ON THE HORIZON
Bonita Springs’ Shangri-La Springs plans to reopen Harvest & Wisdom Organic Dining in mid-January. Built around the historic hotel’s organic garden, the restaurant has remained closed through the pandemic.
Island Seafood Market will expand to a brick-and-mortar storefront on Sanibel Island in early 2022. The Matlacha operation receives 10 varieties of seafood directly off the restaurant’s and other fisher’s boats.
Ceremony Brewing is set to open in downtown Bonita Springs this month. Owner Zach Smith has partnered with developer John Manger, who bought several surrounding buildings, including the one that houses Smokin R’s BBQ, and envisions a pedestrian-friendly attraction around the brewery.
KUDOS
Naples interior designer Wilfredo Emanuel has been selected to compete in HGTV’s new, six-episode Table Wars series, which features eight designers (chosen from thousands of contestants) to create the best themed dining environment.
After six years, Certified Master Chef Derin Moore, former executive chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, returns to the area to helm culinary operations at Grey Oaks Country Club, which also includes the Estuary at Grey Oaks.
LOVE THIS
Grumpy Goat Coffee Company, a craft roaster of specialty-grade, single-origin coffee beans from around the world, has launched a cold brew product line at its Bonita Springs roastery.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Nov. 27: For Small Business Saturday, Narrative Coffee Roasters hosts its first Narrative Market at its Naples Design District location from 1 to 5 p.m. It showcases local small businesses with charcuterie platters, bites and other vendor wares.
Through Nov. 30: The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel Island runs CROW Crawl as part of its 40th Taste of the Islands event. Participating restaurants donate a portion the proceeds from designated dishes and drinks to benefit the organization.
Nov. 30: The Naples Princess partners with Naples Wine Collection on this two-hour sunset cruise, during which you’ll sip more than 20 wines with views of the Gulf and Port Royal.
Dec. 4: Brews for the Birds and the Bees, an after-hours event at the Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs, includes tastings from 11 area breweries and entertainment to benefit Billy the Bee Foundation.
Dec. 5: The Humane Society Naples hosts its 6th annual Bow Wow Brunch at The Continental with a luxe menu—sweet pea pancakes with crab and caviar, truffle steak sandwich and red velvet cake pops—live entertainment and raffles.
Dec. 5 & Jan. 30: The Naples Players invites you to have Dinner on the Stage, following its Sunday matinee. A limited number of tickets are available for this immersive experience, with dinner and wine pairings from Ocean Prime, during which members of the arts group join diners.
Dec. 11-22: On select dates, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, serves up hot chocolate, sweet treats and children’s stories at its Teddy Bear Tea, which include visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Dec. 14: DeRomo’s Gourmet Market in Bonita Springs hosts a Winter Wine Showcase, featuring pours of more than 20 wines and small bites, to benefit Blue Line Bears.
Dec. 15: Part of the Naples Depot Museum’s preschool programming, Cookies Around the World explores global holiday baking traditions with interactive story time and cookie tastings and decorating.
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