Restaurant news: Culinary celebs hit Naples, new lounge, networking, wine dinner, more
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Making news this week? My favorite 1990s supermodel is participating in Naples' most famous charitable event. I had no idea she's a winemaker too. Born into extreme wealth but entirely self-made, I would love to meet her for an interview.
Hint hint.
We also have two fun ideas open to all, but perhaps best for younger readers, which in Naples means 30-something. Laugh all you want, but according to the most recent census results in 2022, many Neapolitans ― in fact, almost 53% of us ― are over 65.
And there’s Gypsy Sue’s fundraiser. We have early tallies from her people about the success benefiting Humane Society Naples.
Star quotient
Among the celebs you might see around town during the Naples Winter Wine Festival?
The hottest ticket might be Friday’s “Meet the Kids Day” luncheon where France’s former first lady, pop star/singer-songwriter and winemaker Carla Bruni-Sarkozy of Château d’Estoublon in Provence is listed. There's also actor, supermodel and mom on her list of multi-hyphenates.
More: The multi-talented Carla Bruni
Two Top Chef notables will be here too including Tom Colicchio and John Tesar, whose Knife & Spoon in Orlando won a Michelin star last year.
Tickets for the Jan. 26 to 28 event at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón start at $17,500 per twosome. They usually sell out quickly.
Can’t make it this time? Why not consider a road trip?
In addition to Tesar, participating superstar chefs with restaurants within a three-hour drive include Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in Miami, John Fraser of Lilac in Tampa and Clay Conley of būccan in Palm Beach.
In June, Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, named two-time James Beard award-winning Chef Paul Bartolotta as Chef de Cuisine. This year's theme is “Generosity in Full Bloom”.
For a complete list of participating winemakers and chefs, visit napleswinefestival.com.
Youthifying Naples
District opened Aug. 20 in what was formerly The (fantastic) Wine Store in Victoria Square, next door to Yacht Club Subs (great sandwiches). The new spot’s motto per its website: ”Where desires are savored and curiosity is the ultimate aphrodisiac."
I had planned to stop by with a young 33-year-old pal who lives at Naples Square, but a bout with COVID made that a no-go. My friend went anyway after a stop at the same-owned Sidebar on Fifth Avenue South. She described this tiny spot as youthifying and "fun, very Miami, a lot of velvet and neon. Not something you typically experience in Naples. In a good way!"
Small plates are designed to pair with craft cocktails. Brad Moss, formerly of Truluck’s, is the chef. More to come as the property's components will be expanded.
Say cheese
Want a professional headshot to jazz up your LinkedIn profile? Aielli Group's Dorona steakhouse is hosting "Picture Perfect: Headshots for a Cause", a charity networking event in collaboration with ES9 Photography’s Adrian Jimenez. The $79 event is Sept. 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. To secure a spot, visit es9photography.com and click on “purchase headshot.” Proceeds benefit Youth Haven, the nonprofit that provides emergency shelter to abused and neglected local children and teens.
(2110 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 239-529-2819; es9photography.com/pictureperfect)
Wine dinner deal
Carrabba’s “Discover Italy” wine pairing dinner is Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. for $55 per person before tax and gratuity. Courses include beet and goat cheese salad, penne and Italian sausage in black pepper sauce, “Chicken Ardente” and chocolate mousse with strawberries.
(Multiple locations; carrabbas.com)
Fundraiser follow up
According to Gail and Mike Cochran, Gypsy Sue’s annual birthday fest held Aug. 20 at Island Gypsy doubled last year’s guest count. While final totals aren’t in because many guests arranged matching gifts from their employers, the Cochrans said funds raised will exceed $15,000, and more than 2,600 pounds of pet food plus towels, blankets, car carriers and collars were donated.
Send scoops, deals and events for editorial consideration to Diana.Biederman@NaplesNews.com by Friday at 5 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Restaurant news: Celeb chefs hit Naples, new lounge, wine dinner, more
