Restaurant news: What's coming, who closed? Dinner under the stars, new French market
What does Dr. Henry Kissinger’s passing have to do with this week’s restaurant news?
For newsletter subscribers, you’ll recall my waxing rhapsodic about Primavera, a restaurant that I could never afford on the block of my first apartment in New York City.
Dr. Kissinger usually began his dinners there with a question to the chef, “What are you going to make me tonight?”
That chef ‒ AJ Black ‒ cooked quite often for the former secretary of state, describing him as a foodie.
Keep reading to discover what this chef has in store for you at his new location.
We also have news about fun food events and a new market around town, plus a creative event for kids to celebrate the holiday season in Bonita.
Dining under the stars
On Dec. 8 and 9, Fifth Avenue South next-levels al fresco dining with festive tables set in front of each restaurant on the closed-to-traffic street. How it works: make a reservation directly with your favorite restaurant and mention this event; most ― but not all ― are participating. Tip: Make a parking plan before heading out.
French market
Cafe Normandie launched a French market outside the restaurant every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Consider this advance notice to pre-order Christmas selections, including buche de Noel, beef Wellington and foie gras for pickup Dec. 23.
(3756 Tamiami Trail N.; 239-261-0977; cafenormandienaples.com)
Marco Island: Coming soon and closed
Chef AJ Black is expanding his great Italian cuisine with a second Osteria Capri location, this time on Marco; he hopes to open Christmas week. Formerly Arturo’s, the new spot is a tad more casual than the Capri original and not on the water, seating 60 with a few patio tables. The décor is peppered with chic lighting and the restaurant has all new kitchen equipment. A wine room too. Other differences include a broader focus on seafood with the goal of making guests feel like they’re “dining on the beach in Sorrento or seaside Tuscany.” Think Livorno and Cinque Terre.
A nightly prix-fixe with ample selections and monthly wine tastings are planned. Dinner daily; wine and beer.
(918 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island; 239-388-4081; osteriacapri.com)
Mario’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill on Bald Eagle posted its closing Dec. 3.
More: Naples restaurants giving back to the community, chef move, 2 Italian deals & 4 foodie events
Building a sweet house
Roy’s gingerbread building lunch is Dec. 16 at 11:30 a.m. The restaurant provides all materials. One house and meal per kid is $35; for adults, the price is $49 and only includes lunch. Reservations must be made over the phone.
(26831 South Bay Drive, Bonita Springs; 239-498-7697; roysrestaurant.com)
Send scoops, news and foodie events for editorial consideration by 5 p.m. Friday to diana.biederman@naplesnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Restaurants: New, closed, dinner under the stars, French market, more
