Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2023 i Naples Illustrated

SHELLY STAYER CHAIRWOMAN Johnsonville Foods, president/co-owner VICKI BAKER UBS Private Wealth Management, executive team assistant CHAD JENSEN Method & Concept, CEO/creative director SHAWN MCCONNELL NCH Healthcare, marketing and communications director BRENDA MELTON Celebrity Martini Glass Auction, founder ASHLEY DEWJI J.P. Morgan, vice president and private banker CLAUDINE LEGER-WETZEL Stock Development, vice president, sales and marketing DONNA MCGINNIS Naples Botanical Garden, president and CEO MICHAEL WYNN Sunshine Ace Hardware, president…

FIRST LOVE Feather-trimmed satin sandals ($1,080), Mach & Mach, modaoperandi.com FALLEN ANGEL Heavenly crystal sandals ($1,155), Sophia Webster, sophiawebster.com HOME SWEET HOME Asnières family house trunk for small treasures (price upon request), Louis Vuitton, Naples, us.louisvuitton.com GUCCI SS23 Twinning details make a visual impact on the runway. BEST FRIENDS FOREVER Nostalgia Bear earring set ($88), Crystal Haze, matchesfashion.com CUDDLE BUDDY Teddy bear minaudiere with green crystals, Double G pattern, and metal chain shoulder strap ($49,000), Gucci, Naples, gucci.com ALFRESCO FEAST Alice’s Picnic one-of-a-kind charm necklace (price upon request), Brent Neale, brent neale.com LUCKY CHARMS Silver and enamel bead bracelet ($2,115), Lauren Rubinski, netaporter.com LITTLE LAMB Special-edition wool-blend top-handle handbag ($1,130), Moschino, moschino.com STYLE NOTES MORE IS MORE: ELEVATE THE LOOK WITH HEAVY EMBELLISHMENTS. RAINBOW BRIGHT: LEAN INTO KITSCHY AND COLORFUL ACCENTS. SUBTLE SOLO ACT: OPT…

Leland Brinkman’s abstract art can be found in various private and corporate collections around the world. Born and raised in Naples, Brinkman moved to and completed high school in Barrington, Illinois. While there, he worked with a faux-finish painting company. He opted out of attending college and stayed in the Chicago area, continuing to learn various painting techniques from his boss. Eventually Brinkman made his way back to Naples and started his own company—Brinkman Wall Works. “It was just as faux finishing was becoming less popular,” he says. “Ornate Mediterranean design was being replaced with simple and modern choices.” Brinkman remembers he broke his wrist around that time, too, making faux painting especially hard to do. He always had an affinity for abstract art, and he decided it was time…

“I haven’t worked a day in my life,” Dana Fry tells me with unabashed enthusiasm. Who is Dana Fry you ask? A quick google search conjures entries that read like the curriculum vitae of a very accomplished man. We meet for lunch on the clubhouse patio at Naples National Golf Club on a picture-perfect day. After talking for two and a half hours, I conclude that the first entry that answers my query proves to be a fitting description of the affable gentleman: “Fry is one of the most creative and successful golf course architects in the world.” (golfpass.com) Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Fry participated in the usual childhood sports, but freely admits: “I was the biggest nerd.” A dominant golf figure in the 1970s and early…

Since many celebrate Valentine’s Day this month, Naples Illustrated asked Boyle to recommend two endearing wine picks. Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne: Beautiful and elegant, light and fresh, notes of strawberry and raspberry lead to a clean, dry finish in this iconic go-to bubbly. Even people claiming to dislike Champagne often love this one. Flowers Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2021: Skip roses for Valentine’s Day and instead enthrall the senses with this new vintage by Flowers. It features a lush nose of berries and baking spice, with more ripe cherries and blueberries on the palate. Like other Pinots from the Sonoma Coast, it’s light in body but forward in flavor.…

If your kids are picky eaters, try letting them make the food themselves. That’s one of the ideas behind the classes at the new Naples cooking studio Budding Chef, which offers classes to all ages—from young children to adults. “A lot of times kids won’t eat something that their mom puts on the table if they don’t like the way it looks,” explains founder Cindy Riddle. “But what we’ve been finding is that when kids actually make the food themselves and they learn about it, they are definitely more prone to want to try it.” The classes welcome kids ages 2 and older and focus on fun dishes like rainbow waffles and fruit skewers, with a parent or caregiver acting as the sous-chef for younger kids. The school adapts to…

We have all heard that eating too much meat is bad for us. In fact, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has found that regularly consuming processed meats can increase one’s risk of developing certain cancers by 18 percent. This is compounded by deficits in healthy eating practices. According to a report issued by the National Cancer Institute on the Standard American Diet, three out of four Americans don’t eat a single piece of fruit in a day and nine out of 10 don’t reach the recommended daily intake of vegetables. Furthermore, 96 percent of Americans don’t achieve the minimum weekly recommendation for greens and beans, and 99 percent do not reach the minimum for whole grains. The most shocking statistic about the average American’s diet is that 70…

GOINGS ON & PERFORMANCES 1 The Game’s Afoot, The Naples Players, Blackburn Hall, Sugden Community Theatre, Naples, to Feb. 5, $47. (naplesplayers.org) Jewish Book Festival, author event with Marjorie Margolies (And How Are the Children?), Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, in-person and virtual, $25. (jewishbookfestival.org) Make-and-Take, fun family workshop in the John and Jeanne Rowe Performance and Learning Center, The Baker Museum, Artis—Naples, free with museum admission. (artisnaples.org) Sunset Wednesdays, enjoy extended hours to savor the magic of a Naples sunset, Naples Botanical Garden, also Feb. 8, 15, and 22, free with garden admission. (naplesgarden.org) The Sweet Remains, three-man folk band, Daniels Pavilion, Artis—Naples, $49. (artisnaples.org) 2 The Independents, musical comedy-drama film starring The Sweet Remains, Daniels Pavilion, Artis—Naples, $20. (artisnaples.org) 3 Nick Linn Lecture Series, Delia Owens, author of Where…

I am both honored and humbled to serve as editor in chief as Naples Illustrated commemorates its twenty-fifth anniversary with this issue. While every edition of our magazine heralds the luxe and lavish within our community and beyond, this issue is distinct and serves as a substantial celebratory marker. A silver jubilee is a momentous one, and we appreciate everyone who has helped make this publication what it is today. I’d like to extend a special thanks to our readers, however. You are our lifeblood, and we appreciate your support, especially those of you who’ve been flipping NI’s pages across the years. The image glowing on this issue’s cover was inspired by NI’s very first edition. We attempted to re-create the original cover, adding a modern edge with the help…

“Nothing is less important than which fork you use. Etiquette is the science of living. It embraces everything. It is ethics.” These sagacious words from the late Emily Post, a well-known authority on etiquette, denote her perspectives on social conducts that abandon the trivial and exclusionary. For her, etiquette should never be used to judge; it’s a tool to show respect, inclusivity, and consideration. While Post passed away more than 60 years ago, her spirit lives on with The Emily Post Institute, a fifth-generation family business that—to this day—advances her altruistic precepts on etiquette. Recently, her great-great granddaughter, Lizzie Post, collaborated with Daniel Post Senning, who is Lizzie’s cousin and Emily’s great-great grandson, to bring forth Emily Post’s Etiquette: The Centennial Edition. Weighing in as one of the largest existing…

Lana Love, who grew up in Naples, recently achieved national recognition for her star turn on The Voice. She ascended to the battle rounds of the show last October, earning raves from judges and this comment from John Legend: “You should be on Broadway right now. You have the voice for it.” Legend also said, “Lana, I just love your passion, the way you move your body when you sing.” Love, now 30, was born in Atlanta, but moved to Naples when she was 12. She graduated from Gulf Coast High School in 2010. Her theater teacher, while attending the Community School of Naples, was Mark Danni, whom she credits with kickstarting her career. Danni directed Love in TheatreZone’s Tommy and later in his production of Sweet Smell of Success.…

How did you get your big break into fashion? Badgley: We both got great jobs right out of school; I was at Donna Karan, James was at WilliWear and Yves Saint Laurent in menswear. We decided to start our own company because we were already working so hard, we thought we should do it for ourselves. Mischka: We always wanted to make clothes for our friends to wear—Mark’s twin sister is a major muse for us—and people responded. We had features in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman bought the first collection, and we won a few awards. Then Hollywood’s red carpet noticed us, and things really took off. What is the best part about designing as a duo? Mischka: It’s been great because we can literally be…

According to a study conducted by Mood Media, 75 percent of all emotions generated every day are due to smell. It’s perhaps one of the reasons why more and more luxury hotels are developing signature fragrances and why the concept of home scenting has flourished in recent years. Here’s a cheat sheet on how to cultivate a desired mood in your home’s primary spaces. THREE TECHNIQUES 1. Burning scented candles, such as those by Naples-based Pepper Street Studio (pepperstreetstudio.com) is an easy way to scent a room with the bonus of creating instant ambience. Entrepreneur Brandi Woolington offers artisan candles featuring soy wax, wood wicks, and essential oils, all packaged in recycled glass jars. 2. Scent diffusing has gone high tech, with companies like Aroma360 (aroma360.com) offering both standalone and HVAC-connected…

MICHAEL HURDZAN (hurdzangolf.com) Hurdzan grew up around golf. His father was a club teaching pro; still today he plays. So does his 99-year-old mother. It is a myth that it makes you a better designer or that it gives you more insight. Someone might eat well and often, but that doesn’t make them a better cook, nor does driving a lot make one a better mechanic. Knowing and playing the game is important, but you also need to know about the mechanics of green construction, drainage, earthmoving, golf course safety, grasses, sand and soils, bunker liners, drawing plans, writing specifications, and even contractual law. JASON STRAKA (frystraka.com) Straka has played golf since age 5. Most of his family and friends are avid golfers, and the game connects them. I only…

Coinciding with all the heart imagery February offers is American Heart Month, putting cardiovascular health in the spotlight. That includes, among other things, a heart-healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, low-fat proteins, and more. There are delectable ways to incorporate heart-healthy nutrition into your diet, including at places like Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen. Rachid Eido, executive chef and owner, prepares vegetarian fare such as tabbouleh with such color and flavor that carnivores won’t miss the meat. However, if it’s beef, chicken, or lamb you crave, there’s myriad options on this Mediterranean restaurant’s extensive menu. (kareemskitchen.com) To read more about Kareem’s and chef Eido, turn the page. Diners rave about Kareem’s hummus. Silky and rich, it takes three days to make; it’s a labor-of-love process Eido learned from his grandfather while…

Smoky cocktails are perfect for Neapolitan winters, regardless of how mild the temperatures are on any given night. Monika Czechowska, co-owner of Fuse Global Cuisine, has been setting wood planks ablaze for smokeinfused cocktails long before these luscious libations came en vogue—almost since her doors opened in November 2013. Through the years, she’s polished and perfected her drink-smoking skills, collecting and using different woods to produce a variety of flavor profiles. Ghost & Smoke—with a base of Michters Bourbon—is one of Fuse’s most popular drinks. “It’s not too hot, not too mellow, not too sweet,” explains Czechowska. She mixes it with a dash of maple syrup, lemon juice, and what she calls her not-so-secret, secret ingredient: Galliano. For this cocktail, she places wood shavings from old bourbon barrels into a…

Brian McCarley, owner of The Other Side Bistro in Bonita Springs, knows and loves soup. Two decades prior to opening the bistro, he operated a restaurant called Good Soup, where his reputation solidified for crafting outstanding bowls of savory potions. A Southwest Florida native, McCarley grew up in the restaurant business and received a formal culinary education from The Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. From this classical training and an interview he viewed with renowned French chef Jacques Pépin, his wildly popular baked five onion soup was inspired. The key to McCarley’s popular soup is his use of five different varieties of onions. “People said it was stupid for me to use scallions because they disintegrate,” McCarley states. “But, to that point, those onions go into the ester of…

If you have trouble hearing the television or frequently ask people to repeat themselves, you may benefit from a hearing aid. And you’re not alone. In fact, around 28.8 million adults in the United States could use a hearing aid, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. While hearing devices have traditionally been expensive, as of October 2022, the Food and Drug Administration allows selling of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids; this has not only encouraged less expensive options but also has improved accessibility to devices. Dr. Sarah Sesslar, an audiologist at Decibels Audiology and Hearing Aid Center in Naples, notes that OTC hearing aids are only intended for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss—in other words, for those who are just starting to notice trouble…

The act of growing, brewing, and drinking herbal tea is a process that soothes the body and mind. While I tend to drink tea throughout the day, the cup I cherish h most is the last—the one I sip as the day winds down and I move slowly through my nighttime skin routine before finally settling in with a book. That being said, there are few things I love more than wandering through the garden with my daughter, Savi, and picking herbs for our tea. In the morning, we go for mint or tulsi, with Savi taking hers with milk and honey from our beehive. Come evening, tulsi is still a go-to, but chamomile enters the picture too. The ritual of preparing tea creates a portal, carving out a space…

It’s a “once in a lifetime opportunity,” explains Courtney McNeil, director and chief curator at The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples, about the groundbreaking exhibition “Love Stories.” Starting February 4, masterpieces from the collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London will be on display, arguing that ideas of love and desire have been critical to the development of portraiture from the sixteenth century to the present day. “The portraits in this inspiring exhibition consider topics including the role of portraiture in depicting partnership, documenting tragedy and scandal, and redefining the relationship between the artist and the muse,” McNeil remarks. Featured artists include Sir Joshua Reynolds, Angelica Kauffman, Man Ray, Lee Miller, David Hockney, and more. Support for the exhibition is provided by the Collier County Tourist Development Council. (artisnaples.org/baker-museum/)…

Twenty-five years! We at Naples Illustrated are thrilled to be celebrating this landmark year with all the wonderful people who have contributed to this beautiful publication over the years, including our dedicated readers. You are the driving force making this magazine so special. And this issue, which celebrates and commemorates our silver anniversary, is dedicated to each one of you. Our very first issue premiered in January/February 1998, about the same time I started my first job out of college. I was an editor for a media relations company in Boston, where I put together press releases. I loved everything about the media industry—from telling the stories to breaking the news. I even enjoyed the tight deadlines. It’s amazing to see what’s evolved over the last quarter of a century…

BRILLIANT BAUBLES Dazzle the one you adore with these jeweled beauties: Suzy Landa pear-shaped green tourmaline with double diamond halo ($12,540); limited series Carolina Wickenburg yellow gold hand-sculpted owl pendant with emerald eyes ($3,150); and Eden Presley gold Goddess Hoops outlined in a medley of green gemstones ($3,600). Shannon Green, Naples (shannongreen.com) FOR THE WEE ONES Keep tiny toes covered with these Babycottons terry crew socks ($21 per two-pack) in pastel blue or pink; keep little heads warm with a naturally hypoallergenic 100-percent organic cotton Apple Park moon-and-star print hat ($18). Thoughtful Threads, Naples (foodandthought.com) DAINTY DECADENCE Accompany your after-noon tea with a sleeve of delicate but delicious macaron sandwich cookies ($15) in delightful jewel tones, Gelato & Co., Naples (florida.gelatoeco.com) FLOWER FONDNESS Dianthus caryophyllus nana, commonly known as the…

UNIVERSAL APPEAL Cracked eggshell and black lacquer come together to form a cosmos worthy of your dinner table in these handcrafted placemats ($150 for set of two) by Von Gern Home. Lantz Collective, Naples (lantzcollective.com) MIX IT UP This gorgeous salad bowl ($495) is part of the Herbariae tableware collection by Christian Lacroix Maison and Vista Alegre, which was inspired by herbarium collections and antique botanical prints. Arabesque of Naples (arabesqueofnaples.com) WORKING THE ANGLES An elevated approach to geometry, Universal Furniture’s Nina Magon Marcel console table ($1,749) pairs a smooth stone top with a bronze-finished base. Baer’s Furniture, Naples (baers.com) STUNNING IN STRIPES A black-and-white-striped glaze and gold-stripe detailing make the Lula Park table lamp ($326) from Elk Home the ideal glam accent. Lighting First, Naples, Bonita Springs (lightingfirst.us) MORNING…

Prior to publishing what would become Naples Illustrated, potential readers were polled. From this a discovery was made: Readers wanted “a lifestyle-oriented magazine showcasing fashion, in-home features, behind-the-scenes looks at people and events in the area, as well as articles on a wide array of subjects,” all within a high-quality and well-designed graphic format. Our first cover epitomizes the brand that was to continue over the next 25 years. Strikingly simple, it showcased a beautiful brunette model, Jennifer Bini, who was “toasting new beginnings,” likely with a glass of buttery Chardonnay. Decked out in a strapless Martha Phillips sundress, a large-brimmed yellow hat, and oversize gold and pearl earrings, Bini was photographed by Maggie Seider. Her kohlrimmed eyes and sleek bob were courtesy of Franchesa Loy. Our twenty-fifth anniversary cover,…

The camera is on again in “Hangar Gris” to discuss the weightiest of matters—that is, the nation’s financial future—but Naples resident Michael Darda couldn’t look more at ease or at home. After all, he’s operating from a sophisticated, gray “he-shed” in his own backyard. Dressed in a navy polo shirt with his 6-year-old Weimaraner, Claus, resting at his side, Darda, chief economist and market strategist at a Connecticut-based firm, MKM Partners, that itself serves industry heavyweights, calmly outlines his forecast for yet another national news entity. His surroundings for interviews—with the likes of CNBC, Bloomberg, Yahoo, and others—in Hangar Gris, named for Claus’s regal gray color, is air-conditioned, wired for highspeed internet, and equipped with a massive monitor and “tricked-out” Bloomberg terminal on which Darda, 49, does his research and…

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. As our community continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, please contact restaurants directly before visiting for the most up-to-date information. AMERICAN 485 DEGREES This from-scratch kitchen specializes in hand-cut fries, New England–style steak-and-cheese subs with tenderloin and roasted garlic aioli, po’ boys, and porchetta and fried chicken sandwiches. 7785 Davis Blvd. Unit 105, Naples (485degrees.com) 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 An institution for 34 years, this local favorite serves a large array of lunch and…

At one time or another, most of us have experienced ankle weakness. While it may not sound like a large concern, Shane Smith, owner of Naples Premier Physical Therapy, says weak ankles can make you susceptible to further injuries or tears and increase your risk of falls. According to Smith, determining if you have weak ankles can be done simply by standing on the tiptoes. “If you’re doing a lot of movement or wobbling in your ankle when you try to go up on your toes, there’s a good chance you have some instabilities present,” he explains. He often sees the issue in young athletes and in people in their seventies who have noticed their balance declining. What’s the solution? Smith recommends a few easy exercises. When standing, raise yourself…

Honor your skin in all of life’s phases with luxurious, ultra-advanced formulas that prevent and reverse environmental damage, smooth texture, minimize fine lines, correct discoloration, and stimulate collagen production. Put your best face forward at any age with these picks: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation, a “your skin but better” fluid foundation with skin-smoothing niacinamide, squalane, and hyaluronic acid ($48, Sephora, Naples); Invity Youth Activating Cream Concentrate ($89) and Youth Activating Instant Filler ($65 for five individual packages, myinvity.com); Le Domaine Skincare The Cleansing Emulsion ($77) and The Cream, both touting GSM10, a patented active compound that aids in graceful aging ($242, le-domaine.com); Chanel Le Lift Pro Crème Volume ($200) and Le Lift Pro Massage Tool ($82, Chanel counters); and Susanne Kaufmann Rejuvenating Night Cream, packed with…

At the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, you’ll find a trio of 3-year-old red-ruffed lemur brothers whose names might have you craving nachos: Jalapeño, Chip, and this handsome hottie, Pico. These critically endangered prosimians sport a ruff of reddish fringe that feathers out from a pointy black snout, with a patch of white at the neck providing contrast to their ginger coat. Six bottom incisors form a nifty toothcomb to groom their plush fur and peel fruit, which makes up approximately 90 percent of their diet. According to the zookeepers who know Pico best, he likes to nosh on grapes, bananas, and the occasional flower. His species, native to Madagascar, is known to fight over figs and eat shoots and leaves, too.…