Restaurants & food: New coffee spot, wine-pairing party, 21 Spices' chef demo and lunch

Diana Biederman, Naples Daily News
·2 min read

Over the weekend, I was shopping Publix BOGOs for Bizzy’s, my favorite cold brew espresso. Moments later, I spotted a line chef still in uniform from one of Naples' most chi-chi restaurants doing her personal weekly grocery trip.

I couldn’t stop myself from peering into her cart.

It’s not that I’m nosy; instead, consider me curious to see what someone who cooks for a living buys to nourish herself.

Spotted: Spinach ricotta croissants, packaged three for $6, a new offering from the bakery section. They’re good. Put them in the fridge when you get home. Own a toaster oven? Warm them on a low setting for a few minutes before eating.

Publix's new spinach ricotta croissants, 3 for $6.
Publix's new spinach ricotta croissants, 3 for $6.

This week's news also includes a new coffee and snack shop, plus two foodie events under $80.

Restaurant news

On Dec. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m., Seventh South (one of JLB’s favorite restaurants) hosts a $77 Tuscan wine-pairing party with hors d’oeuvres. Tax and grat additional. Space is limited so make a reservation. If you like the wines, purchase them nearby at Joseph Wendt’s Il Vino Sarto Wine Shop on Broad Street.

Charcuterie is among the hors d'ouevres served at Seventh South's wine event Dec. 14.
Charcuterie is among the hors d'ouevres served at Seventh South's wine event Dec. 14.

(849 Seventh Ave. S., Naples; 239-231-4553; seventhsouth.com)

Caffeine fix

A new Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii arrives, this time near Loudermilk Park. In addition to brews and icy blended drinks, snacks and sandwiches are offered. From 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on grand opening dates, Dec. 15 and 16, the location donates 10% of proceeds to the Humane Society of Naples. Hours: Daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

(1400 Gulf Shore Blvd., Naples; 239-228-6842; badasscoffee.com)

Indian food class

On Dec. 21 at 11 a.m., Chef Asif Syed celebrates his 21 Spices restaurant’s eighth anniversary with a cooking demo of yellow dal, "chicken 76," baby lamb chops and coconut ladoo. A four-course lunch follows for $75, not including tax or tip.

Chef Asif Syed at his restaurant 21 Spices.
Chef Asif Syed at his restaurant 21 Spices.

(4270 Tamiami Trail E., Naples; 239-919-8830; 21spicesdining.com)

Send scoops, news and foodie events for editorial consideration to diana.biederman@naplesnews.com by Friday at 5 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Restaurants: Coffee, pastries, wine-pairing party, chef demo and lunch