Restaurant news: Chef exit, 3 deals, new-ish in Bonita, new on Marco, Meatball Day, more
This reporter was lucky to attend opening night of Gulfshore Playhouse’s “Into the Breeches,” a delightful and thoughtful comedy set in 1942.
One face you’ll recognize if you go? Dan Butler, who played the ballsy Bob “Bulldog” Briscoe on “Frasier,” one of my all-time favorite series.
Following Saturday night's show, a reception with a gorgeous assortment of goodies was sponsored and catered by Warren Naples, soon to be the Playhouse’s neighbors when the new facility on Goodlette Frank is complete.
In a roundabout way, that leads us to this week’s first bit of news.
Chef change
David Schiraldo is no longer top toque at the two-month-old Warren Naples, though he is staying in town. Philipe Schroeder now leads the kitchen and previously cheffed at the divine Rosy Tomorrows, which closed its restaurant in September 2023 when Rose O’Dell King and her husband Gary sold their beloved North Fort Myers farm. Schroeder also worked at The Jac on Sanibel.
Restaurant makeover in Bonita
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa’s Tanglewood restaurant is changing things up with a new look and food focused on Southern fare.
“The restaurant has undergone a complete transformation that showcases a modern and tropical-inspired setting to reflect our incredible location here in Southwest Florida,” said Brian Kramer, the resort’s general manager, in a media statement.
Inside, expect rustic contemporary décor with a dash of “beach-side inspiration” with blues and sand tones.
On the plate, chef de cuisine Rich McCaw overhauled the breakfast and dinner menus. Dishes now include a bayou benedict with crawfish hollandaise, soft-shell crab po boy, and gator jambalaya. The updated cocktail menu features pecan pie-twinged old fashioneds and a signature shandy.
(5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs; 239-390-4290; hyattregencycoconutpoint.com)
Open on Marco
AJ Black’s second Osteria Capri outpost officially opens Feb. 20 on Marco Island, replacing one of Arturo’s former locations. Black aims to make guests feel like they’re “dining on the beach in Sorrento or seaside Tuscany.” Think Livorno and Cinque Terre. Dinner is daily from 5 to 9 p.m. Wine and beer are offered.
(918 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island; 239-388-4081; osteriacapri.com)
3 Naples restaurant deals
The new Old Vines Naples at Mercato Shops offers a new daily lunch deal of two courses for $30 from noon to 3 p.m. The extensive menu from executive chef Daniel Swofford offers many temptations; this reporter is a big fan. Of note, there is outdoor patio seating, but you may not notice it when walking in.
(9105 Strada Place; 239-591-5351; oldvines.net)
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen’s weekday-only lunch deal starts at $8.59. Items at that price include a chicken sandwich or cheeseburger and fries. For a buck more, there’s a Cajun chicken bowl and pot pie.
(10940 Tamiami Trail N.; 239-451-3150; cheddars.com)
On Feb. 22, Felipe’s offers top-shelf blue tequila Margarita twofers to celebrate National Margarita Day.
(2 locations: 4255 Tamiami Trail N.; 239-302-1444 and 2220 Logan Blvd. N.; 239-323-6619;felipestaqueria.com)
Food calendar
On March 3, Carrabba’s Italian Grill hosts a fundraiser to benefit the Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Foundation. Every order of “Trio for a Cure,” $6 ($3 from your dish with another $3 matched by the chain) funds TNBC research. Carrabba’s marketing manager Amanda Hopper was diagnosed with TNBC in 2023; marketing head Bronze Major lost a relative to the disease. Though considered a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer, this reporter has two friends affected.
(Multiple locations; carrabbas.com)
Who knew National Meatball Day was coming up? The Falisi brothers, that’s who. With every order at The Hangout by Two Guys, score one free meatball with marinara sauce on March 9. This reporter first tried their delicious meatballs at USA Today’s Wine & Food Experience. Using their grandmother’s recipe, the sumptuous hand-rolled spheres blend beef, pork and veal.
(2360 Pine Ridge Road, Naples; 239-384-9072; hangoutnaples.com)
Send scoops and deals for editorial consideration to diana.biederman@naplesnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Chef exit, 3 restaurant deals, new in Bonita and Marco, Meatball Day
