Taste your way around Southwest Florida: Restaurant news & foodie events in Naples, Bonita
This week's news features fun gourmet tastings, an online auction plus good news about a Bonita Springs chef who won a huge award.
True story: A few years before working at the paper, I side-hustled for an online auction shopping addict. One of many duties was ensuring winning bids were shipped to the correct location among five homes. Successful bidding was usually the result of using a timer, often winning something amazing with mere seconds to spare before the virtual gavel slammed for the last time.
Consider that a tip for the news below. Timing is everything.
Parlez vous?
Alliance Française de Naples hosts a “La Table Française” Dutch-treat luncheon at Café Normandie 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 25 for anyone who likes to converse and practice their French. How it works: Call the café to reserve your spot and ask for Sandie. If you need further info, call 239-276-4125 or email afnaples@comcast.net with questions.
(3756 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 239-261-0977, cafenormandienaples.com)
Italian wine tasting
Michael Ambrosi of Ambrosi & Sons hosts an Italian wine tasting featuring estate-bottled selections from small family producers on Jan. 26 at 4:30 p.m. Nibbles too. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance by visiting the gourmet market’s website.
(3910 Domestic Ave., Naples; 239-304-9782; ambrosiandsons.com)
For fans of Omaha Steaks and other food subscription plans
Business partners Michael Saperstein and Evan David are expanding Sunshine Provisions, their high-end meat and seafood distribution business serving South Florida’s top chef-driven restaurants for express home delivery in Naples. To peruse offerings and to order, visit sunshineprovisions.com.
Bonita Springs sampling
Here’s an opportunity to try two new food businesses when The Causeway and One More Bite Organic Desserts make their debut appearances at the next Grumpy Goat Coffee “Sips & Bites Tasting Event” on Jan. 25 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. In addition to the host and aforementioned purveyors, other foodie participants also include Kristi’s Key Lime Cookies, Pansardo Italian Food Specialties, Olde Naples Chocolate and The Farm Stand at Naples Canning Company. Free and open to the public.
(28280 Old 41 Road, Unit 11, Bonita Springs; grumpygoat.com)
Bidding for good
Naples Winter Wine Festival's online auction is up and running through Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. Since its launch in 2015, NWWF's online, open-to-the-public component has raised almost $3.5 million to support Naples Children and Education Foundation in its mission of improving the lives of at-risk children in Collier County.
Prices are more gentle than under the tent, starting at $500. Locally-based experiences too. Visit nwwfonlineauction.com to peruse the terrific packages and bid. Pro tip: Make sure to peek at the site frequently a half hour before the auction closes if you're determined to win.
Chef honored
In December, Palmira Golf Club’s Executive Chef Erik Baker nabbed the “Culinarian of the Year Award” from the American Culinary Federation Caxambas Chapter of Southwest Florida. Baker is an active member of the ACF for 12 years and serves as Vice President of the local chapter. The award recognizes culinary excellence and leadership.
Send scoops, news and tips to diana.biederman@naplesnews.com for editorial consideration by Friday at 5 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Chef news plus affordable food and wine events in Naples, Bonita
