Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2021 i Naples Illustrated

This issue is always one of my favorites. It combines all of my interests in one package—it checks all of the boxes, as they say. While I need to wait until weekends to get my hands dirty, Sarah Frey, our beautiful and entrepreneurial cover model, gets to live my dream life every day. Don’t get me wrong; like Sarah, I do enjoy the beautiful clothes and my 9-to-5 persona, but after hours you would not recognize me under my ball cap, knee-deep in sawdust, pets, and family. Speaking of family, as this issue was coming together and we were discussing the businesses that are now being run by second and third generations, I was once again reminded why so many people are choosing to stay or return to Naples and…

Norine Fuller had a long career working with the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising before buying the 20-year-old, locally owned Sweetgrass Galleries in Naples a year ago. Her new endeavor collided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced people stuck at home to reevaluate their outdoor living spaces, and Fuller to expand her offerings. Sweetgrass Galleries in Trade Center Way specializes in sophisticated silk florals, trees, and natural greenery for commercial and residential interiors and exteriors. Fuller handily adapted to customer demand. “Obviously, people have been spending more time on their patios, so we have a whole section of UV-protected florals that can go in the sunshine and not fade. They can withstand Naples’ strong elements,” she says. “Another area that we have found a great kind of new market…

Methodical, patient, and attentive may not be the first qualities that come to mind when looking for a bespoke luxury interior designer, but Glenn Midnet of Design West is not your typical designer. The master of color, space planning, and functionality is part therapist and part family peacekeeper—bringing balance and happiness to individuals through their home. His company’s slogan is, “Every design begins with an even better story—yours,” and he means it. That’s why Midnet, an admitted perfectionist and workaholic, not only created a design survey to get at the client’s most important wants and needs, but then his dream team implemented a 196-step program guaranteed to keep each project meticulously organized. “There is no room for chaos in interior design, if you ask me,” Midnet says emphatically. While Midnet…

There’s a storied road in Bonita Beach where mansions and condominiums mingle happily alongside one another. Sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Everglades to the east, Hickory Boulevard exudes the laid-back, jumbled charm this beach town wears so well. “Hickory Boulevard feels like a small beach town, but it is close by the sophistication of Naples. It is the best of both worlds,” says principal interior designer Kira Krümm of Naples-based Koastal Design Group. Sited amid the Southwest Florida jewel, this luxurious, coastalstyle manse began as a spec home, but that changed after an Illinois couple fell madly in love with it. And with the Gulf as a backyard, six en-suite bedrooms, and nearly 5,000 square feet of warm coastal living, there is a lot…

Deep in the pine forests of Montana, about a halfhour’s drive from Missoula, a new resort is changing the game for sophisticated travelers with a passion for the great outdoors. The Green O—a riff on Greenough, the town closest to the property—is a gated enclave of 12 exclusive, adults-only wilderness retreats within a 37,000-acre cattle and bison ranch that also houses the sprawling Resort at Paws Up. Literally, The Green O is situated about 450 yards from the closest point of contact with Paws Up; figuratively, it is miles apart. Because Paws Up, with its glamping tents and timber cabins, is geared toward families, the owners created this private sanctuary for couples and solo travelers seeking a refined experience with the biggest luxury of all: peace and quiet. By day,…

For buying information, turn to page 145. For buying information, turn to page 145. For buying information, turn to page 145. For buying information, turn to page 145. For buying information, turn to page 145.…

AMERICAN ALEXANDER’S The tastes of farm-to-table American and European cuisine commingle at this fine dining establishment. 4077 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (alexandersnaples.com) ALICE SWEETWATER’S BAR & GRILLE This favorite serves an array of lunch and dinner fare. 1996 Airport Road S., Naples (alicesweetwatersbarandgrille.com) BALEEN AT LAPLAYA BEACH & GOLF RESORT Dine amid elegant tropical surroundings indoors or on the patio to soak up the view. 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples (laplayaresort.com) BILL’S CAFÉ Chef Bill Salley presides over an open kitchen that slings comfort food and connects to a welcoming dining area underscored by classic rock tunes. 947 Third Ave. N., Naples (239-263-2600) BOKAMPER’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL Kim Bokamper may have retired from football decades ago, but he’s still scoring at his locations in Estero and North Naples. 8990 Fontana Del…

You may be familiar with honey as a cough remedy—but this liquid gold has other healing qualities, too. Manuka honey, which comes from a tree in New Zealand and Australia, has been used for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties to help heal wounds for more than 2,000 years. Dr. Joel Ying, a holistic doctor who owns Joy Health & Wellness in Naples, recommends that his patients use Manuka honey for hard-to-heal wounds and to prevent infection. “It’s not something that everyone thinks to use first,” he notes, but says it’s a good addition to your medicine cabinet that works similarly to over-the-counter antibiotic ointments. If the wound still doesn’t get better, or looks worse, of course, seek medical attention. You can find Manuka honey locally at Food & Thought, Nature’s…

Finding affordable housing is difficult in Southwest Florida, especially for people with disabilities. Those on a fixed monthly income of $794 can’t afford rent for an apartment in Naples, notes Berneitha McNair, executive director of Residential Options of Florida (ROOF). The nonprofit organization helps to address this problem by leasing housing to disabled individuals for 30 percent of their income each month. “They can live, work, and play in their communities, and they’re not paying a large amount of their monthly income for rent,” says McNair. One man who previously moved from home to home was able to move into ROOF housing in 2019 and gain access to a caretaker for daily support. He now volunteers in the community and runs his own small business selling produce at farmers markets.…

Go nuts for these picks that pack the moisturizing benefits of coconut oil and coconut milk for body, skin, and hair: Buff City Soap Coconut Soap and Coconut Soap with Shea ($7 and $8, Buff City Soap, Naples); Naturally London Cleansing Enzyme Scrub ($27, naturallylondon.com); Frank Body Coconut Coffee Scrub ($19, Ulta, Naples); Innersense Organic Beauty Hydrating Cream Hairbath and Hydrating Cream Conditioner ($28 and $30, Ulta, Naples); Truly Coco Cloud Whipped Shave Butter ($20, Ulta, Naples); and Buff City Soap Coconut Shower Oil ($15, Buff City Soap, Naples).…

GOINGS ON & PERFORMANCES 1 Boeing Boeing, The Naples Players, a 1960s farce centered around the self-styled Parisian lothario Bernard, Sugden Community Theatre, Blackburn Hall, Naples, to Oct. 24, $42. (naplesplayers.org) 7 Carlos Mencia, Off the Hook Comedy Club, Naples, to Oct. 10, $25 general admission. (offthehookcomedy.com) 8 Staged Reading Series, from short stories, essays, plays, speeches, fortune cookies, or anywhere the written word can inspire actors, Moe Auditorium & Film Center, Performing Arts Center, Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs, $20. (artcenterbonita.org) Trevor Noah, comedian and The Daily Show host, Hertz Arena, Estero, starting at $31, parking $25. (hertzarena.com) 9 Art and Soul at the Museum, Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida kicks off World Mental Health Week with art demonstrations, music, dance, interactive activities, and a food truck…

Minka McDonald, the president of Jinx McDonald Interior Designs Inc., moved to Naples with her family from Atlanta, Georgia, in 1991. After attending Barron Collier High School, she studied communications at Florida International University and interior design at Florida State University. She most enjoys “working with beautiful, luxurious materials,” and has put that affinity to good use with her expertise in the interior design field for the last 15 years. McDonald and her 11-year-old son, Brooks, have a tight-knit family that lives throughout Southwest Florida. Furthering her deep roots in the community, McDonald’s nonprofit passions include the Naples Botanical Garden and Habitat for Humanity. When asked what she loves most about Naples, she says, “I cherish my friends here and the easy lifestyle we have. We get together at the…

Looking for a way to energize your restaurant, boutique, salon, or even your wedding venue? Simone Schmitt, owner of Naples Neon, has a suggestion: a customizable, colorful neon sign that conveys a word, phrase, or logo exactly as you’d like it. Her signs come in solid neon colors, as well as remote-operated, LED, colorchanging lights. Originally from Germany, Schmitt worked for a Florida sign company for several years before moving to Naples and starting her business in 2019. At first, Schmitt’s signs were being ordered for weddings; she worked closely with wedding planners and brides to create the perfect sign. However, the pandemic stalled weddings and inspired many people to build in-home gyms. As a result, Schmitt is receiving an uptick in requests for motivational signs to enhance the aesthetic…

Summer campers at the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs literally dug the organization’s new Edible Garden, where they learned the meaning behind farm-to-table and enjoyed the fruits of their labor. “We’ve got some hydroponics and organic gardening of vegetables and herbs that they can later harvest and use in our teaching kitchen,” says Christine Elzinga, marketing and creative director at the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs. The centers’ array of artistic summer camps have for years incorporated “cookonomics” courses to teach young children about healthy eating, food preparation, cooking, and cultural cuisine. The Edible Garden was installed behind the Performing Arts Center on Bonita Beach Road to extend, and build on, these concepts. Besides summer camp, the garden is open for all ages, and community members are invited…

If the hustle and bustle of everyday life makes you dream of moving to the countryside for a simpler, more pastoral lifestyle, then you understand the allure of Cottagecore. The romanticized Cottagecore aesthetic—which extends to everything from lifestyle to personal style to decor—has recently gained immense popularity, thanks, in part, to our time spent in quarantine embracing homebound hobbies (sourdough starter, anyone?) and comfort over complexity. Cottagecore has staying power, however, and it continues to influence interior design with its cozy, soft, natural feel. Absent is the previously coveted minimalist style. Cottagecore is all about layers—of fabric, weathered decorative accents, and botanical, toile, and chintz patterns and prints. Vintage pieces add a historical authenticity to the look, while items like dried herbs or kitchen canisters kept on the countertop show…

It was a damp, cold day in southern Illinois, where Sarah Frey was working several years ago, when warm Gulf breezes drifted into her consciousness. That sensation piqued her interest, so she pulled out a map. Frey, founder and CEO of Frey Farms, a multi-state fresh produce and beverage company, is in the farm business, and has always liked looking at land. She receives a fair number of overtures via email, but this one property in Naples caught her eye. Frey already knew Naples and South Florida well, with produce operations nearby and having snuck in a couple mini vacations at the beach resorts. “When I saw the listing for the house and land, about two acres at that point, I realized it was close to Fifth Avenue and the…

Peter and Larry Falisi opened The Hangout in December with the ambitious goal of “redefining the way Naples experiences fun.” The brothers have been working together since opening Two Guys Kitchen & Catering in 2015, and they have a clear view of their mission. “We wanted to create a place where locals and young professionals could come and relax,” explains Peter. “We felt that segment of the market was underserved. Our decor is casual, with bright, vibrant colors, and guests tell us we have more energy than the typical Naples restaurant.” Peter oversees sales and development, and Larry supervises the kitchen. The core of the menu consists of Italian dishes the family grew up cooking and eating—everything from their mother’s tomato sauce to their uncle’s pizza recipe. Larry has added…

Halloween is meant for scares—but you don’t want all the sugar to give your teeth a fright. Dr. Randold Binns, owner of Advanced Prosthodontics & Implant Esthetics in Naples, says it’s okay to enjoy occasional sweets, if you know what to do after eating them. For starters, brush your teeth two to three times per day, floss, and visit your dentist every six months. Here are a few more tips to help you enjoy Halloween with a healthy smile. (naplesdentist.com) 2DELAY BRUSHING After you eat, Binns says, bacteria produce acid that softens your enamel and can result in cavities. “If you start brushing your teeth right away, your toothpaste and toothbrush rub against that soft enamel, producing more erosion,” he notes. He suggests waiting 30 minutes after eating to brush…

BUYING INFORMATION PAGE 94 Metallized lambskin trench coat (price upon request), Fall/Winter 2021 earrings ($1,100), Fall/Winter 2021 ring ($650), Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, chanel.com; Anouk black suede pumps ($675), Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com. PAGE 95 Silk muslin dress ($4,500), stretch trunks ($550), Fall/Winter 2021 faded metal mesh handbag (price upon request), Fall/Winter 2021 necklace ($1,400), Fall/Winter 2021 bracelet ($1,700), Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, chanel.com; Romy 100 black patent leather pumps ($650), Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com. PAGE 96 Knit turtleneck ($1,800), button-down shirt ($1,400), knit pull ($2,200), pleated skort ($1,500), Valentino Garavani pumps ($1,235), Valentino, Marissa Collections, Third Street South, Naples, valentino.com. PAGE 97 Black stretch-jersey cutout dress with crystal hand-embroidery ($6,990), Michael Kors Collection, Marissa Collections, Third Street South, Naples, michaelkors.com; Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette…

Frank Ponterio has a relaxed kind of confidence that puts you at ease during a conversation, despite 27 years’ worth of accomplishments, fancy clients, and projects in the design world. Naples has been on his radar as a perfect place to make his stylish mark for a few years now, and he finally made a bold move and set up an official office in downtown Naples to welcome clients, showcase finishes, and draw out plans. While waiting and searching for the ideal home in Naples, he crashes in boutique hotels and then drives back to his wife in Anna Maria Island, where they have refurbished a chilled-out beach bungalow. He has fought hard to keep his business manageable and team tight, only taking on clients that fit with his company’s…

Launched in 2010, Noonday Collection sells socially conscious jewelry and accessories made by artisans in vulnerable communities around the globe, with the goal to alleviate poverty through entrepreneurship. Carin Phillips is what the company calls an “ambassador”—¾someone who sells the handmade jewelry and accessories in their own communities and shares the story of how the artisans’ linkage to a worldwide marketplace has improved their lives. “Noonday goes and helps them to not only design products that we can sell in the United States, but also to help them to learn business skills,” Phillips explains. Phillips and Monique Frost are the only sellers of the fashion brand in Naples. Their pop-up shops selling Noonday Collection occur once a month at the Mercato. Many products incorporate natural fibers and organic materials, such…

STYLE NOTES SHAPE-SHIFTER: Opt for statement accessories with geometric patterns. THE CLASSICS: Try Roman motif–inspired prints for an unpredictable look. COLOR WHEEL: Crazy contrasting colorways feel fresh this season.…

Ever since in-ground swimming pools began to appear on residential properties, poolside entertaining has been a popular pastime. Whether guests are actually in the water or simply gathering at water’s edge, there’s something intrinsically relaxed about this particular mise-en-scène. All one has to do is look at style-centric photography—from Slim Aarons’ iconic shots to those organized by Hollywood press agents at places like The Beverly Hills Hotel—to understand the allure of socializing near a sparkling body of chlorinated water. Add to this a little architectural element such as a pool house or its more modest cousin, the cabana, and you’ve got a perfect venue for a party. Many condos have cabanas that are separately deeded, especially if they’re blessed with generous decks or beach access. They range from glorified storage…

Florida tomatoes burst on the scene in October, and the heirloom varieties tend to be the sweetest and most intensely flavored of all. This combination of house-made ricotta cheese and heirloom tomatoes was introduced as a starter three years ago at Ridgway Bar & Grill and has become one of the most popular menu items—as much for its shareability as its taste. “My ricotta recipe calls for milk, whole buttermilk, heavy cream, and salt,” says iconic Naples chef Tony Ridgway. “We source the tomatoes depending on seasonality. We add a healthy grind of salt before serving, because tomatoes want a lot of seasoning.” The dish is finished with grilled house-made ciabatta bread, baby romaine leaves, balsamic reduction, and basil oil. (ridgwaybarandgrill.com)…

When Ben Allen’s Backyard Grill & Pub opened in June, it brought a new dimension to East Naples. The restaurant, a partnership between the country singer and local restaurateur Todd Brooks, occupies the former Brooks Burgers location in Freedom Square and evolved from a relationship between the two men over the years. “We wanted a relaxed venue where people could hang out, enjoy some good food, and stay for the music,” explains Brooks. “We offer live music Wednesday through Sunday nights, and feature reggae, rock, blues, and soul in addition to open-mic nights and performances by the Ben Allen Band.” Brooks’ influence can be felt in the kitchen, which is under the supervision of chef Chris Butterfield. Everything is made from scratch, and the menu ranges from standards such as…

It may be a precarious business model, but some of the world’s greatest spirits are made using formulas known only to a handful of people. While these four examples are common behind bars, their recipes remain closely guarded secrets. CHARTREUSE For the Carthusian monks isolated in the western French Alps, life hasn’t changed since the founding of the order in 1084. The monastery is bathed in silence, and the monks have meals delivered to their cells through a small cubbyhole. In 1605, the order received a recipe for a potion composed of 130 herbs and plants. It evolved into three distinct liqueurs: the original Elixir Végétal ($180), at a whopping 138 proof or 69 percent alcohol, as well as Green ($65, 110 proof) and Yellow ($65, 80 proof). The Green…

Reiki is a Japanese complementary therapy focused on using energy to promote healing. Recent research in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine indicates that reiki is more effective than a placebo and may improve symptoms of pain, anxiety, and overall well-being. Lyn Williams, reiki master and owner of A Center for Reiki in Naples, has been practicing for 25 years. She has worked on people with conditions from knee pain to cancer and says reiki can benefit everyone. “Healing occurs with the receptivity of the person who wants to be healed,” she explains. “The body just needs to have the right food, the right environment, rest, and a positive mindset.” It’s up to you whether you do hands-on reiki or if the practitioner hovers their hands above your body; either…

Since age 14, Organically Twisted owner John Hart has been growing his own food. “Nothing is more satisfying than walking outside and picking a piece of fresh fruit,” he explains. Inspired to start a food truck offering healthy dining options, he initially grew much of the food for the menu items himself. Now, five years after opening a brick-and-mortar location in Naples, he sources food locally to meet the higher demand but still grows the flowers and garnishes used in the restaurant. He enjoys changing the way people think about vegetables, which is evident in his popular dishes, including the artichoke burger, walnut tacos, and mung bean taco salad. “I’ve never written down a recipe, so I just create every day,” he says, adding that he focuses on combinations of…