Restaurants: Where Tony Bennett ate, downtown Naples expansion, Bonita sampling and more
July 21 marked the passing of legendary vocalist (and so much more) Tony Bennett. This reporter had the pleasure of spending an hour with him and his wife Susan in 2008 because he’s my good friend Matt Crow’s brother-in-law. I even have a painting signed “Benedetto” by the artist himself.
I’m not alone in being a big Bennett fan: He was also extremely popular in Southwest Florida, performing sold-out shows in Fort Myers and Naples.
In his honor, we're revisiting his favorite restaurants during his time around town. Not surprisingly, all are Italian.
We also have news about another popular Italian spot on Fifth, a free and fun sampling event plus wine ideas for anyone who might be out of town during the next Naples Winter Wine Festival.
Roma to grow
Edmond Metaj’s Roma, an intimate Italian bistro and pizzeria, is expanding its presence downtown by taking over a former gallery’s space next door. Plans include an open and larger kitchen, nearly twice as many seats plus a full bar. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays until 10 p.m. while work is underway. Walking in, you’d have no idea construction is going on.
(655 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 239-776-7042; romaitalianpizzeria.com)
Bonita sampling fair
Wandering Goat’s free monthly tasting event in Bonita Springs on July 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. is its biggest to date. For the first time, it’s being held at the new-ish Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott. In addition to host organizer Grumpy Goat Coffee, vendors include Kristi’s Key Lime Cookies, Bonita Honey, Naples Canning Company, Pansardo Italian Food Specialties, Olde Naples Chocolate, Global Wellness Source and Loggerhead, the hotel’s kitchen and bar. Anticipate a line for complimentary 10-minute massages provided by the pros from Trinity Wellness.
(28090 La Plaza Bonita Loop, Bonita Springs; for details, visit Grumpy Goat Coffee on Facebook)
Wine Fest news
Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, named Véronique Boss-Drouhin its “Honored Vintner” for 2024. The title recognizes her significant contributions to the wine industry. It’s also her ninth time participating in the annual weekend-long fundraiser.
She is the lead winemaker for her family’s Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune, France. Founded in 1880, the Maison is among the world’s most respected wine producers. She holds the same title at Domaine Drouhin Oregon in Willamette Valley, founded in 1987.
Since 2001, the NWWF has raised approximately $269 million for Collier County’s nonprofits helping children.
Running Jan. 26-28, festival tickets run $17,500 to $40,000. If that’s a stretch, Drouhin’s divine wines are sold at Total Wine from $22 and up.
Mangia like Tony Bennett
Looking for a pre-theater dining recommendation? This week, we’re diving into NDN’s archives in honor of Tony Bennett, whose frequent concert tours occasionally landed him in Southwest Florida.
So where did the world’s smoothest crooner eat before a show?
When playing Barbara P. Mann Performing Arts Hall in 2017, Bennett and his entourage headed to Osteria Celli, which former/longtime JLB Annabelle Tometich named an “excellent Italian option” when sharing her list of that year’s best restaurants. Summer hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 5 to 9:30 p.m. (15880 Summerlin Road, south Fort Myers; 239-267-1310; osteriacelli.com)
In February 2018, Bennett opted for Cibo, ordering steamed little neck clams in lemon, garlic and white wine broth followed by a main of spaghetti and meatballs. Making a plan? Cibo is closed for repairs until July 30, maybe longer. Check its website, as the date may change. Hours: Sun. to Thur. 4 to 9 p.m.; until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (12901 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers; 239-454-3700; cibofortmyers.com)
Both restaurants merited honorable mentions on Tometich’s final list of Fort Myers' best published in January.
Bennett’s last visit to our neck of the woods was an Artis—Naples performance in March 2019. Parmesan Pete’s was his pick. His order? A clam and shrimp oreganata appetizer that’s still on the menu, followed by rigatoni tossed with a basil-tomato sauce. Dessert was sea salt gelato. Call for reservations. Lunch runs Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner is 4:30 to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; Friday and Saturday until 9:30 p.m. Closed Sunday. (7935 Airport-Pulling Road N., Naples; 239-992-3663; parmesanpetes.com)
Send scoops, deals & news for editorial consideration to diana.biederman@naplesnews.com by Friday at 5 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Restaurants: Eat like Tony Bennett, downtown expansion, sampling fair
