Restaurants: Italian waterfront deal, BBQ and food truck fests, food & wine celebrations
"I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti," is perhaps the most memorable line from "Silence of the Lambs."
You might be asking, where's she going with this?
From a casual food truck gathering to sophisticated celebrations of Chianti and Opus One wines, Hannibal Lecter's curiosity and appetite would likely be piqued by this week's restaurant and food news for Naples and Bonita, including one event where you're encouraged to BYO steak knife.
Minus the fava beans, Dr. Lecter would be all in and so should you unless you like eating steak with your hands.
Chianti Dinner
Grappino hosts a four-course Chianti wine pairing dinner including lamb chops, a tuna and pork belly duo and more, featuring selections from Isole e Olena on Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Reservations required; $115 per person before tax and tip.
(90 Ninth Street N., Naples; 239-331-4325; aielligroup.com)
When Money is no Object
On Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m., Naples Wine Collection hosts a side-by-side 2-ounce per tasting of four Opus One selections paired with elegant nibbles like caviar and Wagyu from The Cave’s Executive Chef David Rashty. Reservations a must; $250 per person plus tax and gratuity. One bottle minimum purchase is required; the label's vintages at the shop start at $400.
(Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt: 2343 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples; 239-513-0095; napleswinecollection.com)
Safety First, Terrific Meatballs Second
On Oct. 15 from 1 to 5 p.m., brothers Larry and Peter Falisi’s The Hangout by Two Guys kicks off a new community outreach series with a safety expo featuring talks and demos from local first responders tailored for kids at the restaurant’s parking lot. Inside, score a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal too. Pro tip: go traditional by opting for the restaurant’s fantastic Grandma’s meatballs. An appetizer size is three for $10; they were a huge hit at USA Today’s Wine & Food Experience two weeks ago.
(2360 Pine Ridge Road, Naples; 239-384-9072; hangoutnaples.com)
Food as Culture
Through Jan. 6, Immokalee Pioneer Museum’s new exhibit explores why and how food ― and our food-based traditions ― are history on a plate and serve as a sign of cultural identity, particularly during the holiday season. Closed Sunday and Monday.
(1215 Roberts Ave. W., Immokalee; 239-252-2611; colliermuseums.com)
Going Dutch at The French
The French’s General Manager Alain Rabault will give a presentation on French wines at Alliance Française de Naples “La Table Française” Oct. 21. Reservations are required and the price is up to you, as it’s a pay-your-own-way. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.; lunch is served at noon. For more information, email afnaples@comcast.net or call 239-276-4125.
(The French: 365 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 239-315-4019; thefrenchnaples.com)
Free Sampling in Bonita
Grumpy Goat Coffee’s monthly happy-hour style tasting event is Oct. 19 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. In addition to the host, participants include Kristi’s Key Lime Cookies, Naples Canning Company, Pansardo Italian Food Specialties and Olde Naples Chocolate, Juice Society Juicery and Global Wellness, an alkalized water company. Complimentary massages are provided by Trinity Wellness.
(28280 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs; grumpygoat.com)
Food Truck Fest
More than a dozen cuisine options (one vegan too) are offered during the first-ever Bonita Springs Food Truck Festival at Riverside Park on Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Live music and a bounce house for kids too. Admission is $5 for grownups, kids younger than 12 free.
(10450 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs; southerneventproductionsfl.com)
BBQ Benefit
Tickets are on sale for the Annual Farm-City BBQ fundraiser, running 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at Collier County Fairground. Eats-wise, you’ll find steak, corn and salads comprising Immokalee tomatoes, green peppers, cucumbers, squash and eggplant. Beer, wine, soft drinks and water are included with the $30 ticket price. Forks are provided but guests are encouraged to bring a steak knife per the media statement. Dress code is country casual. Proceeds benefit Collier County’s youth programs at 4H Association, Junior Deputies League, the Immokalee Foundation, Kiwanis’ Key Clubs and Youth Leadership Collier.
(751 39th Ave. NE, Naples; 239-262-0015; farmcitybbq.com)
Waterfront Italian Deal
Through mid-December, Osteria Capri is running a $50 per person three-course prix fixe from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Menu selections encompass four appetizers or salad choices, five main courses and two desserts. Wine pairings per course are $20 more. This reporter’s favorite entrees include pappardelle Bolognese and short rib-topped gnocchi, both on the menu. When lunch service resumes on Oct. 16, OC offers a similar deal for $30 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are recommended as the place was jammed early Saturday night.
(387 Capri Blvd., Naples; 239-970-5721; osteriacapri.com)
Sizzle Sizzled
Guy and Erin Clarke, Sizzle Dining’s co-creators, said participating restaurants raised nearly $49,000 for Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida.
That’s an average of 510 meals sold per restaurant.
Via email, they also said the event puts over $3 million into Southwest Florida’s economy annually. In the past three years, Sizzle Dining has fed more than 800 Lee and Collier kids.
Send scoops, deals and chef moves for editorial consideration to diana.biederman@naplesnews.com by Friday at 5 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Restaurants: Italian waterfront deal, BBQ & food truck fests, wines
