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3 weeks ago | 
naplesillustrated.com | Karen Feldman |Abigail Duffy
As season winds down, are you looking for things to do with the few visitors who may still be occupying your guest rooms? It’s brunch to the rescue. Restaurants are increasingly embracing the growing appetite for the meal that wondrously marries the best parts of breakfast and lunch. And there’s no better time to enjoy this popular meal mash-up, as April is designated National Brunch Month.
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3 weeks ago | 
naplesillustrated.com | Karen Feldman |Abigail Duffy
For a great way to kick off a weekend, head to the Naples Botanical Garden for a leisurely stroll on the lush grounds. The garden hosts Friday After 5 seasonally, with events slated for April 5, 12, and 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. In addition to the opportunity to see the gardens at twilight, the evening features live music, pop-up markets, and occasional flower shows. Another reason to attend: the garden’s Fogg Café offers its full menu throughout the event.
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3 weeks ago | 
naplesillustrated.com | Karen Feldman |Abigail Duffy
If the name Estia fails to cause your mouth to water instantly, you must not have experienced this stylish Greek restaurant in one of its three locations in and around Philadelphia. Now there’s a fourth one in Naples, located at Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt. “Estia is Greek for the center of the house, the place you keep a fire burning,” says co-owner Gus Pashalis.
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4 weeks ago | 
naples.floridaweekly.com | Karen Feldman
Fans of The Local may want to reserve a spot at the Naples farm- and sea-to-table restaurant for Friday, April 4, when Executive Chef and Owner Jeff Mitchell, his food and team are featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” The party starts at 8 p.m. The episode airs at 9 p.m.Those who turn out will be among the first to see Mr. Mitchell and his restaurant on national television with host Guy Fieri.
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1 month ago | 
naplesillustrated.com | Karen Feldman |Abigail Duffy
Chef Paul Schmidgall has a passion for paella. He fell in love with the iconic rice dish and learned how to make it on a little island off the Spanish coast. His teacher was an 85-year-old woman who painstakingly made it every Sunday and wanted to pass on her knowledge to the next generation.
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1 month ago | 
naplesillustrated.com | Karen Feldman |Abigail Duffy
The space previously occupied by longtime favorite Stoney’s Steakhouse at Bayfront of Naples has been taken over by newcomer Soluna Restaurant. Chef William Andraca, the owner, named the restaurant as a tribute to the celestial balance of sun and moon. The moniker also aligns with his belief in drawing on myriad flavors and ingredients (everything under the sun and moon) to craft the dishes he serves.
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1 month ago | 
naplesillustrated.com | Karen Feldman |Abigail Duffy
The formula for success at the thriving D’Amico’s The Continental is its Parisian-inspired ambience, extensive steak program, and ability to keep the dining experience fresh. That combination has made it a favorite for a decade and counting. “Sometimes it’s frightening how busy it is,” says Richard D’Amico, CEO of D’Amico & Partners, though he’s only half kidding, aware there are far worse problems to have. D’Amico believes The Continental’s steak lineup helps set it apart.
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2 months ago | 
naplesillustrated.com | Karen Feldman |Abigail Duffy
A longtime friend, an evolving pastime, and the COVID-19 lockdown led to the fast-growing Southwest Florida Bourbon Society. Sean Farrell, a Naples attorney who lives in Fort Myers, founded a social media group with a simple goal: to serve as “an information hub where you could find out about bourbon events,” he says. It was a group of like-minded individuals trying to learn more, find tasting information, and share experiences.
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2 months ago | 
naplesillustrated.com | Karen Feldman |Abigail Duffy
When a hankering for late-night munchies strikes, head to The Alley for food, beer, and drinks until 1 a.m. daily. The sports bar and dining space features the grungy retro vibe of a Manhattan backstreet. Tucked into a long, slender space at Central Square in the Naples Design District, it serves up Wicked Awesome Pretzels, nachos, Guinness bratwursts with sauerkraut, and genuine New York–style Sabrett hot dogs.
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2 months ago | 
naples.floridaweekly.com | Karen Feldman
How about a little cultural enrichment this weekend without leaving town? Savor the flavors, music and culture of 30-plus countries at Mercato’s International Fest, set for 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 22 on the event lawn. The annual festival features music and performers all day, including Polynesian dancers, a mariachi band, belly dancing, Irish dance, a dance medley representing 18 countries, flamenco guitar and a drum circle.
